Former senator Ramon Bong Revilla Jr. surrendered to the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) of the Philippine National Police on Monday night after the Sandiganbayan issued a warrant of arrest against him in connection with an alleged ghost flood control project in Pandi, Bulacan.
In an emotional Facebook Live broadcast earlier in the evening, Revilla said he had received information about the issuance of the warrant and expressed disappointment over what he described as a lack of due process. He said he would face the case without fear and maintained his innocence.
“Nakatanggap po kami ng impormasyon na lumabas na ang aking warrant of arrest. Nakakalungkot po parang wala yatang due process. Pero ganoon pa man, haharapin ko ‘to nang walang takot at alam kong hindi ako pababayaan ng Diyos dahil wala po akong kasalanan dito,” he said.
Revilla also asked for prayers for himself and his family, saying the situation has been painful for them.
“Hihingi ako ng panalangin at patatagin n’yo rin po ang aking pamilya. Hindi ko po maipaliwanag kung ano ‘yung nararamdaman ko sa totoo lang. Napakasakit po para sa akin at para sa aking pamilya,” he added.
The Sandiganbayan also issued a hold departure order against Revilla and several former officials of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Bulacan First District Engineering Office. The case involves alleged malversation of public funds linked to a supposed ₱92.8-million ghost flood control project in Pandi, Bulacan.
According to reports from Super Radyo dzBB, Revilla arrived at Camp Crame in Quezon City at around 9:58 p.m. He was accompanied by his wife, Cavite 2nd District Representative Lani Mercado Revilla, and their children—Cavite 1st District Representative Jolo Revilla and Agimat Party-list Representative Bryan Revilla.
Security was tightened at the Philippine National Police headquarters following his surrender. PNP acting chief Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. confirmed Revilla’s voluntary surrender outside the CIDG office.
In a statement released shortly after midnight, the PNP said: “The warrant was duly implemented, and the former senator was formally informed of the nature of his arrest and his constitutional rights.”
Revilla was placed under the custody of the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group and subjected to standard booking and documentation procedures, including a required medical examination in accordance with existing rules and protocols.
Earlier in the evening, the National Bureau of Investigation served warrants of arrest on two of Revilla’s co-accused, who were already detained at the Senate after being cited for contempt during hearings of the Senate Blue Ribbon Committee chaired by Senator Ping Lacson.
Before surrendering, Revilla reiterated in his Facebook Live message that he would face the charges without fear, insisted on his innocence, and said he believed he would not be abandoned by God despite the accusations against him.
