The Sandiganbayan’s Third Division has granted itself another 30 days to review the bail application of former Senator Ramon “Bong” Revilla Jr. regarding a malversation case linked to a suspected ₱92.8 million fictitious flood control project in Bulacan.
Atty. Dennis Pulma, the anti-graft court’s Clerk of Court, confirmed the extension, stating that the magistrates required additional time to thoroughly examine the case records before handing down a decision.
This is the second instance the division has delayed its ruling to request more time. A previous 30-day extension was sought on May 7, which the court attributed to several procedural developments that disrupted their initial timeline.
These procedural factors included a late bail petition submitted by Revilla’s co-accused, former DPWH Bulacan 1st District Engineering Office engineer Jaypee Mendoza, alongside a delayed supplemental memorandum from former DPWH finance section chief Juanito Mendoza.
Associate Justice Karl Miranda previously explained that the court is tasked with meticulous evaluation of voluminous case records and extensive documentary evidence before a final resolution can be made.
Revilla continues to be held at the New Quezon City Jail in Barangay Payatas as the legal proceedings move forward. The court previously entered a plea of not guilty on his behalf during his arraignment.
A number of other former DPWH Bulacan 1st District Engineering Office officials implicated in the malversation charges have also entered not guilty pleas. Among them are Assistant Engineer Brice Hernandez, engineers Jaypee Mendoza, Arjay Domasig, Emelita Juat, Christina Pineda, and former finance chief Juanito Mendoza.
The ongoing legal battle stems from allegations that the accused misappropriated public funds for a ₱92.8 million flood control project that was never actually constructed.