The Office of the Ombudsman will seek writs of preliminary attachment to place the properties of former Senator Ramon “Bong” Revilla Jr. and government contractor Sarah Discaya under court custody as their graft and malversation cases proceed.
The anti-graft body previously secured a writ of preliminary attachment from the Sandiganbayan covering over ₱200 million worth of properties belonging to former Ako Bicol Party-list Representative Zaldy Co. The same legal action will now be applied to Revilla and Discaya.
Ombudsman Jesus Crispin “Boying” Remulla explained the rationale behind freezing assets:
“Kailangan talaga ma-freeze itong mga properties para meron tayong hawak. Kasi ang pera baka naka-cash ‘yan, mahirap habulin nang habulin. Pero ‘yung mga property hindi naman gumagalaw ‘yan,” Remulla said.
Case Details
- Bong Revilla: Facing graft and malversation charges before the Sandiganbayan related to a flood control project in Pandi, Bulacan.
- Sarah Discaya: Facing similar charges before the Lapu-Lapu Regional Trial Court in Cebu over a flood control project in Davao Occidental.
Remulla noted that Discaya’s real and personal properties, including bank accounts, will be subject to attachment.
“Kay Sarah Discaya, attachment ng real at saka personal properties, pati bank accounts. Conspiracy ‘yan, kasama sila sa nag-defraud sa taong bayan,” he added.
Purpose of Writs
A writ of preliminary attachment temporarily places a defendant’s assets under court custody while a case is ongoing, ensuring the government can recover funds if it prevails.
The Ombudsman’s move underscores the government’s effort to secure assets and prevent dissipation of properties tied to alleged corruption in flood control projects.