Ombudsman signals arrest of Bong Revilla over flood control corruption

The Ombudsman on Monday said there is sufficient evidence to indict and arrest former senator and Cavite-based Ramon “Bong” Revilla Jr. on charges of malversation or plunder linked to alleged corruption in flood control projects, with action possibly coming before Christmas.

“It’s a low-hanging fruit and there is enough evidence to warrant the indictment and arrest — possibly before Christmas,” Ombudsman Jesus Crispin Remulla told ANC television, describing the probe as an ongoing preliminary investigation nearing completion.

Remulla, who heads the Office of the Ombudsman tasked with probing high-level graft, said the case against Revilla centers on irregularities in flood mitigation infrastructure.

The allegations stem from a recommendation by the Independent Commission on Infrastructure (ICI), which last week referred Revilla and nine others to the Ombudsman for potential criminal prosecution, citing possible plunder, bribery and corruption of public officials.

Revilla’s inclusion follows testimony from former Department of Public Works and Highways undersecretary Roberto Bernardo, who accused him of seeking a 25-percent commission on P125 million worth of flood control contracts — a claim Revilla has denied.

The Department of Justice last week confirmed Revilla as a respondent in its probe into anomalous projects in Bulacan province, alongside fugitive ex-congressman Zaldy Co.

Remulla did not specify a filing date but hinted at swift action, telling reporters: “Of course there is (an arrest). Just relax. We’ll make no announcement, it will just happen.”

The scandal has ensnared several politicians, with the Ombudsman building cases against unnamed senators and representatives tied to kickbacks from substandard projects, including a P289-million dike in Oriental Mindoro that used undersized materials.

In November, the Ombudsman filed the first related charges against Co and public works officials before the anti-graft Sandiganbayan court, amending them to include malversation of public funds.

Revilla’s camp expressed dismay over the ICI referral, saying he had received no subpoena or chance to respond.