SEN. BONG REVILLA/ PHOTO FROM HIS OFFICE
Former senator Ramon “Bong” Revilla Jr. on Saturday said he would confront the allegations linking him to alleged corruption in flood control projects, stressing that he would not back down as he maintained his innocence.
Revilla issued the statement a day after the Department of Justice (DOJ) confirmed that he and resigned Ako Bicol Rep. Zaldy Co had been admitted as additional respondents in cases involving SYMS Construction and Trading, which are currently undergoing preliminary investigation. The DOJ gave Revilla several days to submit his counter-affidavit.
The complaints stem from referrals made by the Independent Commission for Infrastructure (ICI), which earlier recommended charges—including plunder—based on affidavits of former Public Works Undersecretary Roberto Bernardo. Bernardo had accused Revilla of demanding a 25-percent commission on certain flood control projects, allegations the former senator has denied.
Revilla insisted that the accusations against him were politically motivated and meant to divert public attention from the real offenders.
“I am an easy target being used to muddle the truth, but the truth will always come out,” Revilla said.
The former senator said he was confident that the “truth will prevail” and that those actually responsible for the alleged anomalous projects would eventually be held accountable.
