MANILA — The Sandiganbayan has issued a warrant of arrest and a hold departure order against former senator Ramon “Bong” Revilla Jr. and several public works officials over an alleged ghost flood control project in Bulacan province.

The Sandiganbayan’s Third Division said it found probable cause to proceed with a malversation of public funds case linked to a flood control project in Pandi, Bulacan, which prosecutors say was declared completed despite never being built.

In a resolution dated January 19, Associate Justice Karl Miranda wrote that the court, after reviewing the records and supporting documents, had determined that probable cause existed.

“After a careful review of the resolution and its supporting documents, as well as the records, the court finds that probable cause exists in this case,” the resolution read.

Court documents released on Monday show that arrest warrants and hold departure orders were issued against Revilla and six officials from the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Bulacan 1st District Engineering Office. They include Assistant District Engineer Brice Hernandez, engineers Jaypee Mendoza, Arjay Domasig, and Emelita Juat, as well as Juanito Mendoza and Christina Pineda.

Dennis Pulma, executive clerk of court of the Sandiganbayan, confirmed the issuance of the warrants.

According to prosecutors, the accused conspired to facilitate the release of ₱76 million for a ₱92.8 million flood control project, which investigators later found had not been implemented. The prosecution alleges that accomplishment reports were falsified, billing documents were fraudulent, and disbursement vouchers were improperly endorsed.

The National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) said two of the accused — Hernandez and Mendoza — were arrested on Monday night at the Senate premises after the warrants were served.

Senate President Vicente Sotto III said he authorized the arrests.

Revilla’s inclusion in the case follows testimony by former DPWH undersecretary Roberto Bernardo, who told a Senate hearing last November that some lawmakers received kickbacks in exchange for endorsing public works projects.

Bernardo named several politicians during the hearing, including Revilla, former senator and now Makati mayor Nancy Binay, Senators Francis Escudero and Jinggoy Estrada, and other former and current officials. Those named have denied wrongdoing.

Bernardo said he had a close personal relationship with Revilla, describing them as godparents to each other’s children. He alleged that during a meeting in the third quarter of 2024, Revilla asked for a list of projects to be funded for what was described as a national campaign, and that a 25% “commitment” was discussed. Bernardo also claimed that large sums were later delivered, including one delivery allegedly made to Revilla’s residence in Cavite.

The cases stem from a complaint filed by the NBI’s Bulacan South District Office following its investigation into the Pandi project.

Revilla has repeatedly denied the allegations.

He was previously acquitted of plunder charges linked to the alleged misuse of his Priority Development Assistance Fund (PDAF) during his time in the Senate.

📷 Ramon Bong Revilla Jr. FB