Former Senator Ramon “Bong” Revilla Jr. filed his counter-affidavit Thursday in response to the plunder complaint lodged against him with the Department of Justice (DOJ), with his legal team raising concerns over what they described as inconsistent allegations.
“Nag-submit siya ng counter-affidavit o sinagot niya ‘yung reklamo na laban sa kanya,” said Revilla’s spokesperson, lawyer Francesca Señga.
The complaint accuses Revilla of plunder, graft, direct bribery, receiving gifts as a public officer, and corruption. Co-respondents include former Public Works officials Roberto Bernardo, Henry Alcantara, Gerard Opulencia, and unidentified John/Jane Does.
Señga pointed to contradictions in Bernardo’s affidavits, citing variations in dates, amounts, and the number of alleged money deliveries.
“Makikita ninyo na nag iiba-iba ‘yung kuwento niya… Una, magkakaiba ‘yung mga petsa… nag iiba-iba ‘yung amount… nag iiba-iba ‘yung number ng deliveries. Ano ba talaga?” she said.
She also denied claims that Revilla met Bernardo, insisting witnesses could attest otherwise. Señga added that most co-respondents will no longer respond to the complaint, citing their protection under the Witness Protection Program.
“Nakakapagtaka. Apat na respondents, tatlo nasa WPP. Isa lang matitira,” she noted.
After the preliminary hearing, Revilla returned to the New Quezon City Jail in Payatas.
The former senator expressed disbelief at the accusations, saying: “Hindi ko alam paano nakakatulog ‘yung mga nag akusa sa akin.”