Former senator Ramon "Bong" Revilla Jr. has officially requested an extension from the Department of Justice (DOJ) to prepare his response to criminal complaints linked to questionable flood control initiatives in Bulacan.
DOJ Confirms Request for Extension
Prosecutor General Richard Anthony Fadullon verified the development, stating that Revilla and former congressman Zaldy Co have been named in the complaints as "proponents" of the controversial projects. Fadullon explained that the request for more time to submit a counter-affidavit is now under consideration by the investigating panel.
"There's a request for an extension to file the counter-affidavit. So, the panel will act accordingly… we just have to see and await the results of the preliminary investigation," Fadullon told members of the press.
Expanding List of Respondents
Initially, charges were directed solely at officials from the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH). However, the scope of the investigation widened after the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) presented additional evidence.
"Eventually, there were pieces of evidence submitted by the National Bureau of Investigation, and this time included proponents," Fadullon clarified, confirming the inclusion of the two former lawmakers.
Multiple Cases Under Scrutiny
DOJ spokesperson Polo Martinez provided further details, noting that Revilla and Co are now additional respondents in cases involving SYMS Construction and Trading. The duo also faces separate complaints filed by the NBI concerning alleged ghost projects by Wawao Builders and Topnotch Catalyst Builders.
Martinez was careful to distinguish the status of these cases, stating, "However, please note that the cases pertaining to Wawao and Topnotch are still currently undergoing initial evaluation, which comes prior to the conduct of preliminary investigation."
Meanwhile, the DOJ anticipates resolving the three initial cases submitted for preliminary investigation before December 15, 2025.
