Bong Revilla decries alleged link to Bulacan ghost projects

Former senator Ramon "Bong" Revilla Jr. denied Saturday his alleged involvement in "ghost" or non-existent flood control projects in Bulacan after he was included as a respondent in two complaints filed with the Department of Justice (DOJ).

"Ang naratibo na pilit nilang ikinakasa laban sa akin ay hindi lamang kasinungalingan, ito'y sadyang 'di kapani-paniwala," Revilla said in a Facebook post.

(The narrative that they have been spinning against me is not just a lie, it lacks credibility.)

"I am an easy target being used to muddle the truth, but the truth will always come out," the former senator said.

According to the DOJ, Revilla and former Ako Bicol party-list representative Zaldy Co were identified as "proponents" in flood control projects in Bulacan. Revilla was added in one of the complaints, which involved SYMS Construction.

Earlier this week, the Independent Commission for Infrastructure (ICI) recommended to the Office of the Ombudsman the filing of charges against Revilla and others based on testimonies given by former Public Works and Highways Undersecretary Roberto Bernardo.

Bernardo previously accused Revilla of receiving 25% worth of commissions of flood control projects, a claim that the former senator has denied.

Following the ICI's move, Revilla's spokesperson lamented that the former senator did not receive an invite from the fact-finding body and was not asked to explain himself.

"Ginagamit ang aking pangalan para malihis sa katotohanan—ngunit ang katotohanan, kailanman ay hindi matatakpan," Revilla said.

(My name is being used to divert from the truth—but the truth can never be trampled upon.)

"I have lived my life facing all challenges thrown my way. Hindi ako tumakbo, hindi ako nagtago.  Hindi ako umurong noon, hindi ako uurong ngayon. At dahil ang katotohanan ay nasa aking panig, haharapin ko ito nang buong tapang at paninindigan," he said.

(I have lived my life facing all challenges thrown my way. I did not run, I did not hide. I didn't back down then, I won't back down now. And because the truth is on my side, I will face this with courage and conviction.)

"Kasama kayo, nananalig akong sa huli, ang mga tunay na may sala ang mananagot—para sa hustisya at para sa bayan," he added.

(With your support, I pray that in the end, those who are truly behind this will be held accountable—for our country and our nation.)

Meanwhile, Prosecutor General Richard "Dong" Fadullon said that asked for an extension in the filing of his counter-affidavit. 

"There's a request for extension to file the counter-affidavit. So the panel will act accordingly… we just have to see and await the results of the preliminary investigation," said Fadullon. — VDV, GMA Integrated News