The Independent Commission for Infrastructure recommended the filing of criminal charges against former senator Ramon “Bong” Revilla Jr. and 10 other individuals before the Office of the Ombudsman in relation to anomalous flood control projects.
“Today, the commission recommends filing cases against the following individuals: former Senator Bong Revilla Jr., Maynard Ngu, Carleen Villa, Gerard Opulencia, Manny Bulusan, Ruel Umali, Gene Ryan Altea, Carleen Yap-Villa, J. Y. Dela Rosa, Mrs. Patron, and Carlo Aguilar,” ICI Chairman Andres Reyes Jr. said.
“Possible cases include direct or indirect bribery and corruption of public officials, plunder, and administrative sanctions, among others,” he added.
Reyes said the ICI recommendation was based on the testimony of former Public Works undersecretary Roberto Bernardo.
Revilla’s spokesperson and lawyer Maria Carissa Guinto said her client did not receive any subpoena or copy of a complaint related to the new case recommendations issued by the ICI.
She said Revilla was never asked to explain the allegations after the commission included his name in the flood control scam probe despite his willingness to participate.
“He was never asked to explain. He was never given an opportunity to defend himself. From the beginning, our client made himself fully available to the ICI and openly welcomed their inquiry,” she said in a statement.
“He is deeply disappointed to have been denied such a fundamental right, though he still holds trust and faith in the system,” Guinto added.
She described the accusations as relying on statements from individuals whose credibility is questionable and whose motives are driven by self-preservation.
“The assertions of those whose conduct reflects a deliberate pattern of moral bankruptcy are suspect at best, and should not, in any manner, be construed as drawing our client into the web they themselves engineered,” she said.
Guinto said Revilla intends to respond comprehensively once the Office of the Ombudsman provides a proper venue to present his side.
“He will not only address these malicious accusations but will dispel the false narrative comprehensively,” she said.
As this developed, the ICI said it is also recommending that Senators Francis Escudero and Mark Villar, as well as former senators Nancy Binay and Grace Poe, be referred to the Office of the Ombudsman for further investigative review and case build-up.
The commission said it is also submitting new evidence, in addition to previous referrals, which may lead to more charges against former DPWH secretary Manuel Bonoan, former DPWH undersecretaries Catalina Cabral and Bernardo, former congressman Zaldy Co, Commission on Audit Commissioner Mario Lipana, former DPWH district engineer Henry Alcantara, and former DPWH assistant district engineers Brice Hernandez and Jaypee Mendoza.
