Bong Revilla: I will face allegations against me with courage
After being included as respondent in the flood control-related cases in Bulacan before the Department of Justice (DOJ), former Sen. Ramon “Bong” Revilla Jr. said he would not back down.
Rather, Revilla emphasized that he would face the allegations against him with courage and determination.
“I have lived my life facing all challenges thrown my way. I didn’t run, I didn’t hide. I didn’t back down then, I won’t back down now,” Revilla said in a statement on Saturday.
“And because the truth is on my side, I will face it with courage and determination,” he noted.
On Friday, DOJ spokesperson Polo Martinez said Revilla and former Ako Bicol Rep. Zaldy Co “were admitted as additional respondents in the cases involving SYMS Construction and Trading.”
Preliminary probe
Martinez said the cases are currently pending preliminary investigation, adding that Revilla was given a few days to submit a counter-affidavit.
The former senator, meanwhile, said in the statement that the accusations against him are “not only lies but simply unbelievable.”
“I am an easy target being used to muddle the truth, but the truth will always come out. My name is being used to deflect from the truth—but the truth, never, can be covered up,” the former senator said.
“Together with you, I believe that in the end, those who are truly guilty will be held accountable—for justice and for the people,” he likewise said, addressing the public.
On Wednesday, Revilla had been included in the recommendation submitted by the Independent Commission for Infrastructure (ICI) to the Office of the Ombudsman for charges, including plunder, in relation to the flood control anomalies.
ICI Chair Andres Reyes earlier said the referral was based on the affidavits of former Public Works Undersecretary Roberto Bernardo, who previously accused Revilla of seeking a 25-percent commission—totaling P125 million—on flood control projects.
Reviflla has since denied Bernardo’s allegations.
