The Sandiganbayan Third Division on Tuesday officially opened the trial of former Senator Ramon “Bong” Revilla Jr. and six others over their alleged involvement in a ₱92.8 million malversation case involving a local infrastructure project.
Charged alongside Revilla are Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Assistant District Engineer Brice Hernandez, engineers Jaypee Mendoza, R.J. Domasig, and Emelita Juat, as well as accountants Juanito Mendoza and Christina Mae Pineda.
The case stems from the anti-graft court’s January 16 filing by the Office of the Ombudsman, which flagged anomalies in a flood control project located in Pandi, Bulacan.
During the initial proceedings, Associate Justice Ronald R. Moreno approved the prosecution’s request to bring DPWH records custodian Jason Cruz back to the witness stand. Prosecutor Maria Cristina Marallag-Batacan noted that Cruz was tasked with presenting the Official Record Book from the DPWH Bulacan First District Engineering Office.
Cruz testified that the logbook came into his possession on June 26, 2025. However, the proceedings took a sharp turn when Associate Justice Moreno pressed the custodian on whether the agency enforces a specific timeline for turning over such official documents.
“Hindi ko po alam, your honor,” Cruz replied.
The response prompted a swift retort from the magistrate.
“Nagpunta ka pa rito kung wala kang alam?” Moreno quipped.
The trial was briefly adjusted after Marallag-Batacan requested the cancellation of next week’s hearings to allow state prosecutors to participate in the week-long anniversary celebration of the Office of the Ombudsman. The Sandiganbayan granted the motion, rescheduling the next trial dates to May 19 and 20.