Supporters of former Senator Ramon "Bong" Revilla Jr. gathered outside the Sandiganbayan this morning, February 9, ahead of his scheduled arraignment on charges of malversation through falsification of public documents.

The former senator is set to face the court at 8:00 a.m. in connection with alleged irregularities involving ₱92.8 million in purportedly non-existent flood control projects in Pandi, Bulacan.

Revilla’s supporters, many traveling from Cavite, claimed that his arrest and detention lacked due process.

They are calling to file charges against former Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Usec. Roberto Bernardo, instead of placing him under the witness protection program (WPP).

They voiced their protest outside the Sandiganbayan as the arraignment proceeded, holding banners that read, ‘Hindi ka nag-iisa sa laban, Sen. Bong Revilla, kasama mo kami’ and ‘Lalabas ang katotohanan, si Senator Bong ay walang kasalanan.’”

The former senator’s legal team had previously filed several petitions, including a request to have him detained at Camp Crame instead of the New Quezon City Jail in Payatas, all of which were denied by the court.

The case also involves six co-accused: Juanito Mendoza, Bryce Erickson Hernandez, Jaypee Leon Mendoza, RJ Domasig, Emelita Juat, and Cristina Mae Pineda.

On February 8, the day before the arraignment, Revilla’s family and supporters attended an Ecumenical Prayer Rally for Truth, Integrity, Due Process, Peace, and Justice at Freedom Park, Aguinaldo Shrine in Kawit, Cavite, calling for support for the former senator.