The Office of the Ombudsman on bail granted to former senator Bong Revilla.
Ombudsman prosecutors filed a motion for reconsideration, urging the Sandiganbayan to reverse the bail ruling for Bong Revilla.
A few days ago, bail for former senator Ramon “Bong” Revilla Jr. was granted, which ultimately gave him freedom to walk outside of prison again. His case was in connection with the alleged ghost flood control project in Pandi, Bulacan.
Although Bong Revilla has been granted temporary liberty on bail, authorities noted that the ₱124.5 million civil liability imposed by the court has yet to be paid.
Recently, Ombudsman prosecutors filed a motion for reconsideration on Wednesday, arguing that the anti-graft court’s findings were not enough to dismiss the alleged participation of Revilla in the supposed conspiracy to misappropriate government funds.
The case of Revilla involved the alleged P92.8-million flood control project in Barangay Bunsuran, Pandi, Bulacan. As per the prosecutors, at least P76.9 million in government funds were released for this project, but it was never constructed.
According to the Ombudsman, the Sandiganbayan’s finding that the supposed “commitments” or kickbacks allegedly received by Revilla were not public funds does not necessarily mean that he had no involvement in the alleged scheme.
“It is a doctrine of long standing that direct proof is not essential to prove conspiracy. Direct proof of previous agreement to commit a crime is not necessary to prove conspiracy,” the prosecution said in their motion.
The Ombudsman disagreed with the Sandiganbayan’s finding that there was not enough direct evidence linking Revilla to the alleged kickbacks. It argued that the actions of the accused showed a planned and coordinated effort to include the project in the 2025 budget and facilitate the release of funds.
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