Former senator Ramon “Bong” Revilla Jr.’s legal team has asked the Sandiganbayan to dismiss the malversation charge filed against him, arguing that the information is fatally defective because he never had custody or control of the public funds allegedly misappropriated.
The motion to quash was among the reasons cited by the Sandiganbayan Third Division in deferring Revilla’s scheduled arraignment and pre-trial to February 9. The case stems from the alleged misuse of ₱92.8 million in flood control funds linked to projects in Bulacan.
A motion to quash is filed before an accused enters a plea and challenges the validity of the information. If granted, it results in the dismissal of the criminal case. Third Division chairperson Associate Justice Karl Miranda said the court intends to closely examine the defense’s arguments, including claims that the information fails to allege an express conspiracy and that the facts stated do not constitute the offense charged.
Citing Revilla’s counsel, Atty. Isaiah Asuncion III, the court noted the defense’s position that the former senator cannot be held liable for malversation because he is not an accountable officer and did not exercise public custody or control over the funds in question. The defense also argued that the information does not clearly explain how the accused allegedly shared a “common criminal design.”
The court further took note of arguments questioning the link between the inclusion of the flood control projects in the 2025 General Appropriations Act and the supposed misappropriation and falsification of public documents.
While the Office of the Ombudsman has not released the full information, allegations against Revilla were earlier discussed during a Senate Blue Ribbon Committee hearing. Former Department of Public Works and Highways undersecretary Roberto Bernardo claimed that Revilla was involved in diverting funds from DPWH flood control projects, allegedly receiving large kickbacks during the 2024 and 2025 periods. Bulacan First District Engineer Henry Alcantara corroborated parts of Bernardo’s testimony, linking project allocations to Revilla, though he said he did not personally deliver funds to him.
Revilla has consistently denied the accusations. On January 19, his camp filed an urgent omnibus motion seeking reinvestigation, the quashing of the information, and the deferment of the issuance of a warrant of arrest. He later sought transfer to the Philippine National Police custodial facility in Camp Crame, citing security concerns.
Justice Miranda said the court had already personally determined the existence of probable cause, leading to the issuance of arrest warrants. Revilla and six others face graft charges before the Sandiganbayan Fourth Division and malversation charges before the Third Division. Pending resolution of the motions, Revilla and several co-accused remain detained at the New Quezon City Jail, while two female accused are held at Camp Karingal.