Not guilty plea for Revilla in graft case

National

THE Sandiganbayan entered a "not guilty" plea for former Senator Bong Revilla after he declined to enter one himself during his arraignment for graft and malversation on Monday, Feb. 9.

The charges involve an alleged ₱92.8 million "ghost" flood control project in Pandi, Bulacan, which investigators claim never existed.

In a report by Philstar, Revilla’s lawyer, Francesca Señga, explained that the move was necessary to protect a pending motion to quash, arguing that the Ombudsman failed to prove that Revilla was an "accountable officer" for the funds.

Señga added that while a resolution to the motion has reportedly been reached, her team has yet to receive an official copy.

Revilla's co-accused, former Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Engr. Arjay Domasig and Finance Chief Juanito Mendoza, proceeded to enter their own not guilty pleas.

The Sandiganbayan has already scheduled a preliminary conference on February 13 and a pre-trial on February 19.

These dates move the case forward despite the court deferring certain arraignment proceedings for Revilla and Mendoza due to pending legal appeals.(Mary Angel Parac, BiPSU Comm Intern)