Bong Revilla appears at Sandiganbayan in BJMP uniform

Former Senator and Cavite-resident Ramon “Bong” Revilla Jr. appeared before the Sandiganbayan anti-graft court on Friday, Jan. 23, 2026, clad in a yellow Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP) uniform, as the court deferred the arraignment and pre-trial in his graft and malversation case linked to an alleged anomalous P92.8-million flood control project in Bulacan.

Revilla, detained at the New Quezon City Jail in Payatas since his surrender, arrived under tight security accompanied by law enforcers for the hearing before the Sandiganbayan Third Division. The court postponed the arraignment of Revilla and his six co-accused, including officials from the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Bulacan 1st District Engineering Office, and rescheduled proceedings to a later date.

The charges stem from accusations that Revilla and the others were involved in irregularities in a supposed flood control project in Bulacan, which prosecutors described as a “ghost” project where funds were allegedly misused or never used for the intended purpose.

Revilla voluntarily surrendered to Philippine National Police authorities at Camp Crame on the evening of Jan. 19, 2026, shortly after the Sandiganbayan issued a warrant of arrest and a hold departure order against him and his co-accused. He underwent standard booking and medical procedures before being transferred to the Quezon City Jail for detention.

Reports indicated that Revilla attempted to bring personal clothes and gadgets into the facility but was denied by jail personnel in accordance with BJMP regulations. He appeared in court wearing the standard yellow inmate attire.

Revilla has posted bail in the amount of P90,000 for the graft charge, according to court records and media reports, though he remains in custody pending resolution of related matters, including a motion for transfer to a different detention facility. The Sandiganbayan has also conducted an ocular inspection of the Quezon City Jail where Revilla and some co-accused are held.

This case represents a new legal challenge for the former senator, years after his acquittal in a separate high-profile pork barrel scam involving misuse of discretionary funds. Revilla has consistently denied any wrongdoing in the Bulacan flood control matter and has vowed to vigorously contest the charges.

Further hearings are anticipated as the court proceeds with the trial.