Cavite, Philippines – Former Senator Ramon “Bong” Revilla Jr., a prominent figure in Philippine cinema and politics, has publicly appealed for prayers from the public as he faces fresh corruption allegations tied to “ghost” flood control projects in Bulacan province.
In a defiant statement released on Saturday, Cavite-based Revilla denied any wrongdoing, labeling the accusations as “lies” and vowing to confront them head-on with unwavering resolve.
“Hindi ako uurong ngayon,” Revilla declared, translating to “I will not back down now,” in a passionate address that echoed his past battles, including the 2016 pork barrel scam trial from which he was acquitted.
The 54-year-old actor-turned-politician, who served as a senator from 2004 to 2016, emphasized his commitment to transparency, stating, “I have lived my life facing all challenges thrown my way. I didn’t run, I didn’t hide. I didn’t back down then, I won’t back down now.”
The controversy stems from a sprawling scandal involving anomalous flood mitigation initiatives under the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) in Bulacan, a flood-prone region north of Manila. Investigations revealed so-called “ghost projects”—non-existent or unfinished infrastructure works funded by billions in public money, including contracts awarded to firms like SYMS Construction and Trading and Wawao Builders.
Revilla was named as an additional respondent in two complaints now under preliminary investigation at the Department of Justice (DOJ), alongside resigned Ako Bicol party-list Representative Zaldy Co. The cases involve charges of graft, malversation, perjury, and falsification of public documents.
Testimonies from key witnesses, including dismissed DPWH District Engineer Henry Alcantara and former Undersecretary Roberto Bernardo, alleged that Revilla received ₱125 million in cash kickbacks delivered to his residence in Bacoor, Cavite, in December 2024, as well as a ₱300 million budget insertion in the 2024 General Appropriations Act tied to projects in Plaridel, Bulacan.
Revilla dismissed the claims as fabrications designed to make him an “easy target” and deflect from the true culprits. “These are not only lies but simply unbelievable,” he said, asserting that his name was being dragged in to “muddle the truth.” In an emotional plea, Revilla asked Filipinos for spiritual support: “Please pray for me and my family.”
The flood control scandal, which President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. publicly condemned after discovering a dilapidated ₱96.49 million “ghost” structure in Bulacan, has led to multiple criminal complaints and the recovery of over ₱110 million in allegedly ill-gotten funds.
As the DOJ pushes forward with its investigation, Revilla remains resolute: “Ang katotohanan ay nasa aking panig” (“The truth is on my side”). Whether the probe will clear his name or lead to formal charges remains to be seen in one of the most high-profile corruption cases of the current administration.
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