MANILA — Former senator Ramon “Bong” Revilla Jr. could be indicted and arrested, possibly before Christmas, over alleged anomalies in flood control projects, Ombudsman Jesus Crispin Remulla said.

In an interview with ANC, Remulla described Revilla as a “low-hanging fruit” in the ongoing investigation, adding that there is “enough evidence” to pursue charges of malversation or possibly plunder.

“I think malversation will be the predicate crime. Possible plunder. It’s something that is ongoing right now,” he said.

When asked if any government official might be jailed in connection with the flood control scam, Remulla replied: “Meron yan. Relax lang kayo.”

Pressed on whether a senator could be served an arrest warrant before Christmas, he said: “Possible. Maybe next week.”

When Revilla’s name was mentioned, he added that the former senator’s case is ripe for filing, describing him as “a low-hanging fruit since his name has long been implicated in the scandal, and they have started investigating long ago.”

Revilla has also been included in the Independent Commission on Infrastructure’s (ICI) recommendation to the Office of the Ombudsman for possible criminal prosecution over alleged anomalies in the flood control projects, along with nine other individuals. The commission cited potential violations including plunder, direct or indirect bribery, corruption of public officials, and administrative offenses.

Revilla, Zaldy Co Named as Respondents in DOJ Probe

The Department of Justice (DOJ) recently confirmed that Revilla and fugitive ex-congressman Zaldy Co are respondents in its preliminary investigation into anomalous flood control projects in Bulacan.

DOJ spokesman Raphael Niccolo Martinez said both are named in at least two cases involving SYMS Construction and Trading, and in complaints filed by the National Bureau of Investigation related to ghost projects by Wawao Builders and Topnotch Catalyst Builders.

Former public works undersecretary Roberto Bernardo testified before the Senate Blue Ribbon Committee that Revilla received around 25 percent in commissions from flood control projects. Revilla has denied the allegations through his lawyers.

On Saturday, Revilla took to Facebook to respond, saying: “I am an easy target, being used to muddle the truth, but the truth will always come out. I have lived my life facing all challenges thrown my way.”

“I did not run, I did not hide. I did not back down then, and I will not back down now. And because the truth is on my side, I will face this with complete courage and conviction,” the former senator stressed.

📷 Ramon “Bong” Revilla Jr. FB