Bong Revilla, 5 others' arraignment in graft raps over flood control project also deferred

The Sandiganbayan Fourth Division also deferred the arraignment of former senator Ramon Bong Revilla Jr. and five others in the graft charge over the alleged P92.8- million ghost flood control project in Pandi, Bulacan.

Sandiganbayan Fourth Division chairperson and Associate Justice Michael Musngi granted the motion of Revilla and five others for a new arraignment date.

The respondents filed motions to quash the criminal information on the ground that the facts of the case do not constitute an offense.

Meanwhile, former DPWH Bulacan First DEO Engr. Emelita Juat entered a not guilty plea.

"On February 9, we will proceed with the arraignment of the other accused," Musngi said. 

Revilla's other co-accused were: 

• Former DPWH Bulacan First District Engineering Office Assistant District Engineer Brice Hernandez
• Engr. Jaypee Mendoza
• Engr. Arjay Domasig
• Finance section chief Juanito Mendoza, and
• cashier Christina Pineda

Revilla's counsel, lawyer Isaiah Asuncion III, asked the court for the deferment arraignment by saying that allowing the arraignment to push through is tantamount to waiving their right to question the charges.

"We do not want to waive that right to  pursue motion to quash," Asuncion said. —AOL, GMA Integrated News