DOJ Confirms Plunder Charges vs Bong Revilla, Jinggoy Estrada Over Flood Control Projects
BONG REVILLA – The Department of Justice has confirmed the filing of plunder complaints against Senator Jinggoy Estrada and former Senator Bong Revilla Jr. over alleged irregularities in flood control projects.
The Department of Justice (DOJ) has confirmed that Senator Jinggoy Estrada and former Senator Bong Revilla Jr. are facing plunder complaints in connection with allegedly anomalous flood control projects. The cases have drawn public attention due to the high-profile personalities involved and the serious nature of the accusations.
“These are three high-profile personalities that the public may be interested in: (dating) Senator Bong Revilla, Elizaldy Co, and Senator Jinggoy Estrada.
Photo Source: Inquirer
“There are three separate plunder cases against each of the respondents, respectively,”
DOJ spokesperson Atty. Polo Martinez said.
Under Republic Act 7080, or the Anti-Plunder Act, plunder is committed when a public official, acting alone or in connivance with others, accumulates at least P75 million (originally P50 million) in ill-gotten wealth through a series of criminal acts. These may include the illegal use of public funds, receipt of kickbacks, or abuse of official position.
The DOJ has already begun a preliminary investigation into the first plunder case. According to Martinez, the complaints cover not only plunder but also alleged violations of Republic Act 3019, or the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act, as well as Republic Act 6713, the Code of Conduct and Ethical Standards for Public Officials and Employees.
Revilla has submitted his counter-affidavit to the DOJ in a separate flood control–related graft and corruption case. In his response, he denied the allegations, pointing to supposed inconsistencies in the testimonies of witnesses.
Revilla earlier became embroiled in controversy over flood control projects after former Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) undersecretary Roberto Bernardo claimed that he allegedly delivered P125 million to Revilla’s residence in December 2024, with another P250 million reportedly delivered by an aide ahead of the 2025 elections.
Photo Source: Manila Bulletin
However, Revilla’s lawyer, Atty. Ramon Esguerra countered that Bernardo’s submission was merely a “tabular enumeration” of projects that were allegedly proposed by the DPWH and did not originate from the senator himself.
For his part, Estrada has maintained that the allegations against him are unfounded.
“He has consistently denied baseless allegations against him and remains committed to performing his duties with impartiality and integrity,”
said Estrada’s lawyer, Atty. Bianca Soriano, last year.
As the investigation proceeds, the DOJ emphasized that due process will be observed, while the public closely watches the developments surrounding the high-stakes plunder cases.
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