MANILA, Philippines — The Office of the Ombudsman on Friday filed graft and malversation charges before the Sandiganbayan against former senator Ramon “Bong” Revilla Jr. and several officials of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) over an allegedly anomalous infrastructure project in Pandi, Bulacan.
Assistant Ombudsman Mico Clavano announced the filing in a press conference after prosecutors lodged the information with the anti-graft court at around 2:40 p.m.
Clavano said Revilla and officials from the DPWH Bulacan 1st District Engineering Office were charged with possible violations of Article 217 of the Revised Penal Code on malversation of public funds, as well as related graft offenses.
Prosecutors alleged that the respondents took part in irregular acts in the implementation of a public infrastructure project in Pandi, Bulacan, which resulted in the alleged misuse or misappropriation of government funds and caused damage to the state.
The Ombudsman filed separate counts of malversation and graft, naming Revilla and the DPWH personnel as co-accused, based on findings from its fact-finding and preliminary investigation. The probe examined project documents, fund releases, and implementation records linked to the questioned undertaking.
The Sandiganbayan will raffle the case to one of its divisions, which will set the arraignment and act on motions, including the prosecution’s request for the issuance of arrest warrants and the setting of bail.
