Court: Revilla can skip hearings in malversation case

The Sandiganbayan’s Third Division has approved the request of former Sen. Ramon “Bong” Revilla Jr. to waive his appearance at the next hearings for his malversation case until July.

“His waiver is approved, unless [his appearance is] required by the court,” clerk of court Dennis Pulma told the Inquirer in a text message.

Revilla’s lawyer, Ready Anthony Balisi, said the waiver of appearance covers the period for when the prosecution will present its witnesses and evidence against the former senator.

Revilla and six others are facing charges in connection with a supposedly nonexistent flood control project in Pandi, Bulacan worth P92.8 million.

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Asked why Revilla was skipping the hearings, Balisi told reporters: “That’s his right.”