The Office of the Ombudsman is moving to place the properties of former Senator Ramon “Bong” Revilla Jr. and contractor Sarah Discaya under the custody of the courts.
This comes as the government intensifies efforts to secure assets linked to the controversial flood control projects now under investigation.
In an exclusive report by Saleema Refran on “24 Oras” Tuesday, Ombudsman Jesus Crispin Remulla confirmed that his office will request writs of preliminary attachment against the properties of Revilla and Discaya.
The legal move would temporarily place their assets under court control while the cases against them are being heard.
The Ombudsman has already taken the first step.
The Sandiganbayan has granted a writ of preliminary attachment covering more than ₱200 million worth of properties belonging to former Ako Bicol Party-list Representative Zaldy Co, who is also facing charges linked to the same issue.
Now, authorities are preparing to pursue similar action against Revilla and Discaya.
Remulla stressed that freezing these properties is critical to ensuring accountability if the government eventually wins the case.
“Kailangan talaga ma-freeze itong mga properties para meron tayong hawak,” Remulla said.
“Kung cash kasi ‘yan, mahirap habulin nang habulin. Pero ‘yung mga property, hindi naman gumagalaw.”
(We really need to freeze these properties so that we have something to hold on to. Because if it’s cash, it becomes very difficult to chase. But properties don’t go anywhere.)
A writ of preliminary attachment allows the court to place a defendant’s assets under its custody while the case is ongoing.
The goal is simple: if the government wins, there will be assets available to recover public funds.
Both Revilla and Discaya are currently facing charges of graft and malversation tied to alleged irregularities in flood control projects.
Revilla’s case is being heard before the Sandiganbayan, involving a flood control project in Pandi, Bulacan.
Discaya, meanwhile, faces charges before the Lapu-Lapu Regional Trial Court in Cebu, related to another flood control project in Davao Occidental.
Remulla did not mince words when asked about the allegations.
“Kay Sarah Discaya, attachment ng real at saka personal properties, pati bank accounts,” he said.
“Conspiracy ‘yan. Kasama sila sa nag-defraud sa taong bayan.”
(For Sarah Discaya, the attachment will include real and personal properties, even bank accounts. That’s conspiracy. They were among those who defrauded the Filipino people.)
As the cases move forward in court, the government is making one thing clear.
If public money was stolen, every effort will be made to make sure it is recovered.
Even if it means locking down millions in assets while justice runs its course.
