Manila, Philippines – The Sandiganbayan Third Division on Monday entered a not guilty plea on behalf of former senator Ramon “Bong” Revilla Jr. after he did not file a plea for his malversation of funds case.
During his arraignment on Monday, Revilla was present before the anti-graft court in relation to the alleged P92.8 million ghost flood control project in Pandi, Bulacan.
Revilla’s camp noted that this move is to ensure that legal remedies will remain open and available as they challenge the legality of the filing of the charges.
Co-accused former Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Bulacan First District Engineering Office finance section chief Juanito Mendoza also entered a non-guilty plea, along with DPWH Bulacan 1st DEO Assistant Engineer Brice Hernandez, Engr. Jaypee Mendoza, Engr. Emelita Juat, Engr. Arjay Domasig and Christina Pineda who filed their pleas on February 9.
This development triggers the start of the pre-trial period scheduled for March 6, while the preliminary conference is set from February 23 to 27.
In line with this, the Sandiganbayan Third Division granted Revilla and Mendoza appeal to file a motion for reconsideration over the Ombudsman’s resolution ordering the filing of the cases.
The Office of the Ombudsman has 60 days to resolve the motion, aside from the other related submissions of related certificates.
Despite the partial granting of the motion, the court clarified that the court proceedings will proceed as scheduled.
Revilla’ camp also seeks to file a bail petition before February 20.
Last week, the Sandiganbayan Fourth Division also entered a not guilty plea in behalf of Revilla who refused to file a plea to not undermine his pending motion to quash petition.—Mia Layaguin, Eurotv News