Former Senator Bong Revilla Jr. Voluntarily Surrenders to Authorities Over Bulacan Flood Control Anomaly
In a significant development, former Senator Ramon "Bong" Revilla Jr. voluntarily surrendered to the Philippine National Police (PNP) on the evening of Monday, January 19, 2026. He presented himself to PNP acting chief Lieutenant General Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. at Camp Crame in Quezon City, following the issuance of an arrest warrant against him and six other individuals.
Arrest Warrant and Charges Stem from Alleged Irregularities in Pandi, Bulacan Project
The warrant of arrest was released in connection with an alleged anomaly involving a flood control project in Pandi, Bulacan. The Office of the Ombudsman filed charges on January 16, 2026, against Revilla and his co-accused for malversation of public funds through falsification of public documents. This crime carries penalties including imprisonment, fines, and perpetual disqualification from holding government office.
The accusations are specifically tied to irregularities in a P92.8 million "ghost" flood control project located in Purok 5, Barangay Bunsuran, Pandi, Bulacan. In addition to the arrest warrant, the anti-graft court Sandiganbayan also issued a hold departure order against Revilla and his associates.
Interior Secretary Jonvic Remulla Provides Details on Surrender and Arrests
During a press conference on Tuesday, January 20, 2026, Interior and Local Government Secretary Jonvic Remulla disclosed that Revilla was accompanied by his wife, Cavite Second District Representative Lani Mercado, and his children, Cavite First District Representative Jolo Revilla and Agimat party list Representative Bryan Revilla, during the surrender process.
Remulla stated, "He called me yesterday when the electronic warrant came out. And I said it's best for you to surrender, and he was accepted here at the CIDG. That's where he voluntarily surrendered." He emphasized their long-standing friendship since the 1980s but noted, "But duty calls. There are no exceptions to the rule. And when the Sandigan said to arrest him, I advised him to, the best I can do is advise him to surrender peacefully."
Remulla also confirmed that Revilla turned over 20 firearms registered under his name to authorities. Before 9:30 AM on Tuesday, Revilla was brought to the Sandiganbayan for the return of the warrant. Remulla personally accompanied him but denied that any "special treatment" was given to the former senator.
Revilla Expresses Concerns Over Due Process in Facebook Live Video
In a Facebook Live broadcast while en route to Camp Crame, Revilla expressed sadness over what he perceived as a lack of due process. He said, "It's saddening, it seems like there's no due process. But nonetheless, I will face this without fear, and I know God will not abandon me because I am innocent in this matter."
Status of Co-Accused and Legal Proceedings
According to Secretary Remulla, five of Revilla's co-accused have already been apprehended:
- Former Bulacan First District engineers Brice Hernandez, Jaypee Mendoza, Juanito Mendoza, and Arjay Domasig, who are currently in the custody of the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI).
- Christina Mae Pineda, who was arrested at a checkpoint in Benguet Province.
Remulla added that Emelita Capistrano Juat remains at large, but investigators have been reminded of her known whereabouts. Following the surrender, Revilla is set to be detained at the Quezon City Jail Male Dormitory in Barangay Payatas, as ordered by the Sandiganbayan.
