Former Senator Ramon “Bong” Revilla Jr. walked into Camp Crame late Monday night—not as a lawmaker, not as a public figure—but as a man ready to face serious accusations.
At around 9:58 p.m., Revilla surrendered to the Philippine National Police’s Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (PNP-CIDG) following the issuance of an arrest warrant and hold departure order by the Sandiganbayan Third Division.
The case involves an alleged ₱92.8-million “ghost” flood control project in Pandi, Bulacan.
It was a quiet but heavy moment.
Earlier that day, the anti-graft court ordered Revilla’s arrest, along with several former officials of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH). They face charges of malversation tied to a flood control project that authorities claim never existed.
Among those named were engineers, finance officers, and a cashier from the DPWH Bulacan First District Engineering Office.
Two of them—Brice Hernandez and Juanito Mendoza—were arrested Monday evening by the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) while attending a Senate Blue Ribbon Committee hearing. They had already been detained at the Senate since last year after being cited for contempt.
By past 8 p.m., NBI agents escorted the two out of the Senate. They were later brought to the NBI office in Pasay City.
Less than two hours later, Revilla arrived at Camp Crame.
He was not alone.
Standing beside him were his wife, Cavite 2nd District Rep. Lani Mercado Revilla, and their sons—Cavite 1st District Rep. Jolo Revilla and Agimat Party-list Rep. Bryan Revilla. Security was tight. The mood was tense.
PNP acting chief Police Lieutenant General Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. later confirmed to reporters that the former senator had surrendered voluntarily.
But before turning himself in, Revilla made one last public appeal.
Through a Facebook Live broadcast, he spoke directly to his supporters. His voice carried frustration—and sadness. He questioned what he called a “lack of due process”, saying he was deeply hurt by how the arrest warrant and travel ban were issued.
Still, he said he would not run.
“I will face this,” he declared, vowing to confront the charges without fear. He expressed faith that God would not abandon him, insisting on his innocence. And quietly, he asked for prayers—not just for himself, but for his family.
As the night deepened at Camp Crame, one thing became clear:
This was not just another legal development.
It was a defining moment—one that Revilla says he will face head-on, with faith, family, and resolve.
