Ombudsman to seek writs to place Revilla, Discaya properties under court custody

The Office of the Ombudsman will request writs of preliminary attachment to place the properties of former Senator Ramon “Bong” Revilla Jr. and contractor Sarah Discaya under the custody of the courts hearing the cases against them.

According to Saleema Refran’s exclusive report in “24 Oras” on Tuesday, the Ombudsman has already secured a writ of preliminary attachment from the Sandiganbayan regarding the more than P200 million worth of properties of ex-Ako Bicol Party-list Rep. Zaldy Co.

The anti-graft body plans to do the same with the properties of Revilla and Discaya. 

“Kailangan talaga ma-freeze itong mga properties para meron tayong hawak. Kasi ang pera baka naka-cash ‘yan, mahirap habulin nang habulin. Pero ‘yung mga property hindi naman gumagalaw ‘yan,” said Ombudsman Jesus Crispin Remulla. 

(We really need to freeze these properties so that we have something to hold on to. Because if it’s in cash, it’s very difficult to keep chasing after it. But properties, those don't go anywhere.) 

A writ of preliminary attachment places a defendant’s properties under court custody while a case is being heard. This is to ensure that the government has assets to recover should it win the case.

Both Revilla and Discaya are facing charges for graft and malversation over the flood control mess.

Revilla is facing such charges before the Sandiganbayan in connection with a flood control project in Pandi, Bulacan.

Meanwhile, Discaya is facing charges before the Lapu-Lapu Regional Trial Court in Cebu over a flood control project in Davao Occidental.

“Kay Sarah Discaya, attachment ng real at saka personal properties, pati bank accounts. Conspiracy ‘yan, kasama sila sa nag-defraud sa taong bayan,” Remulla said.

(For Sarah Discaya, it is an attachment of real and personal properties, as well as bank accounts. That is a conspiracy, they are among those who defrauded the people.) — Vince Angelo Ferreras/JMA, GMA Integrated News