The Department of Justice (DOJ) is close to completing its preliminary investigation into the plunder charge filed by the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) against former Senator Ramon “Bong” Revilla Jr. and his co-respondents.
DOJ Spokesperson Polo Martinez announced on Tuesday, March 3, that the case is expected to be submitted for resolution by March 23.
Martinez emphasized that no further extensions will be granted, underscoring the need to expedite the process.
During Tuesday’s proceedings, four newly added respondents—Denryl Caesar Cortuna, Manny Bulusan, Ruel Umali, and Arturo Gonzales Jr., all former engineers from the Department of Public Works and Highways-National Capital Region (DPWH-NCR)—appeared before the panel of prosecutors and requested more time to file their counter-affidavits. The panel granted them until March 13 to submit their responses.
Once filed, the original respondents—former Public Works Undersecretary Roberto Bernardo, former Bulacan First District Engineer Henry Alcantara, and Regional Director Gerard Opulencia—will have an additional 10 days to file supplemental counter-affidavits if necessary.
Meanwhile, lawyers for Revilla filed an opposition to the NBI’s supplemental complaint, which sought to include the four engineers as additional respondents.
Revilla’s spokesperson and legal counsel Francesca Senga argued that their inclusion disrupted the defense strategy outlined in Revilla’s counter-affidavit submitted on February 12.
She also questioned the timing of the NBI’s move, noting that the engineers’ names had already been mentioned in Opulencia’s affidavit last year.
Martinez confirmed that the panel has yet to resolve the opposition raised by Revilla’s camp.
“They will assess whether the arguments have merit,” he said.
The case, stemming from allegations of plunder related to public works projects, is being closely watched as it progresses toward resolution. The DOJ has assured transparency and adherence to due process as it moves forward.