From ABS-CBN News

By Alexia Bangayan

On Friday, February 13, former Senator Ramon ‘‘Bong’’ Revilla Jr. and six officials from the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Bulacan 1st District Engineering Office (DEO) declined to pursue a plea bargain with prosecutors over the graft case involving the alleged P92.8-million ‘ghost’ flood control project in Pandi, Bulacan.

A plea bargain would have allowed the accused to admit guilt to a lesser offense in exchange for reduced penalties or the dropping of other charges.

During the preliminary conference before the Sandiganbayan Fourth Division, the court asked whether the defendant intended to negotiate with the prosecutors.

However, Revilla’s counsel, Francesca Señga, said that it was not being considered, and added, ‘‘We are hoping that the court will proceed to the case impartially.’’ 

Subsequently, the Fourth Division, led by Associate Justice Michael Musngi, pleaded not guilty on behalf of Revilla.

Meanwhile, the other accused — except for Revilla and Juanito Mendoza — entered a plea of not guilty before the Sandiganbayan Third Division, which is handling the related malversation case.

The trial of Revilla and Mendoza in the malversation case has been rescheduled to Monday, February 16.

Furthermore, the anti-graft court also deferred the preliminary conference initially set for Thursday, February 19, following motions previously submitted by the defense.

Revilla was linked to the flood control project scandal after former DPWH Undersecretary Roberto Bernardo claimed that bribes were received in return for approving the projects.