Former Senator Ramon “Bong” Revilla Jr. appeared before the Sandiganbayan on Friday, January 23, for his scheduled arraignment in connection with a malversation case in alleged flood control ghost project in Pandi, Bulacan, according to a report by RH Val Gonzales in DZRH Damdaming Bayan.

Personnel from the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP) escorted Revilla to enter inside the courtroom of the Sandiganbayan’s Third Division, along with four co-accused from the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Bulacan First District Engineering Office.

The case stems from the alleged misuse of P92.8 million in public funds for a flood control project that authorities claim was never implemented.

Also charged with Revilla are former DPWH Bulacan District Assistant Engineer Brice Hernandez, Jaypee Mendoza, Arjay Domasig, and Juanito Mendoza.

Before 8:00 a.m., the five accused arrived at the Sandiganbayan aboard a BJMP bus from the New Quezon City Jail, where they are currently detained.

At around 8:45 a.m., two more accused who are detained at the QCPD Female Dormitory in Camp Karingal also arrived at the Sandiganbayan.

Cavite Representative Lanie Mercado-Revilla, the wife of Revilla, was also seen in the anti-graft court.

Earlier, Revilla’s legal counsel, led by Atty. Ramon Esguerra, arrived ahead of the accused.

Aside from the arraignment, the Sandiganbayan is also set to conduct the pre-trial conference and hear the omnibus motion filed by Revilla’s camp.

The motion was submitted following his recent transfer to the Sandiganbayan by operatives of the Philippine National Police Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (PNP-CIDG).

Revilla has consistently denied the allegations against him.