The Sandiganbayan Third Division has issued a warrant of arrest against former senator Ramon “Bong” Revilla Jr. and six other individuals in connection with a non-bailable malversation case linked to an anomalous flood control project in Pandi, Bulacan. The arrest warrant, dated January 19, also carries a hold departure order barring all respondents from leaving the country while the case is pending.
Included in the warrant are former officials and employees of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) in Bulacan. These are former assistant district engineer Brice Hernandez, engineers Jaypee Mendoza, Arjay Domasig, and Emelita Capistrano Juat, as well as Juanito Mendoza, an accountant, and Cristina Pineda, a cashier. All were named as co-accused alongside Revilla in the alleged misuse of public funds.
The case stems from a ₱92.8-million flood control project in Pandi, Bulacan, which was awarded in March 2025 but was never implemented. According to the Office of the Ombudsman, the project existed only on paper, yet government funds were allegedly released as if the construction had been carried out. Charges were formally filed before the Sandiganbayan on January 16.
In its findings, the Ombudsman alleged that the respondents conspired to facilitate the release of public funds for the supposed project. Investigators said documents were processed and approved despite the absence of any actual construction on the ground, resulting in significant losses to the government. The alleged conspiracy formed the basis for the malversation charge, which is considered non-bailable due to the amount involved and the nature of the offense.
Revilla’s inclusion in the case places him as the second former lawmaker to face charges in connection with the broader flood control fund controversy. Earlier, former AKO BICOL party-list Representative Zaldy Co, who once served as House appropriations committee chairman, was also implicated in a similar scandal. Co, however, remains at large.
The latest development revives public attention on Revilla’s long legal history. In 2018, he was acquitted of plunder charges related to the controversial Priority Development Assistance Fund (PDAF), commonly known as the pork barrel scam. He was also cleared of multiple graft cases by the Sandiganbayan in 2021.
Despite these past acquittals, the current case underscores the government’s continuing crackdown on alleged misuse of public funds, particularly in infrastructure projects meant to protect communities from flooding. The proceedings are expected to draw significant public scrutiny as they move forward.