No docs linking Revilla to ‘ghost’ project – lawyers

MANILA, Philippines — An official of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) on Tuesday testified that he has not seen any document showing that former Sen. Ramon “Bong” Revilla Jr. was the proponent of the P92.8-million alleged “ghost” project in Pandi, Bulacan.

At the Sandigabayan Third Division bail hearing on the malversation case against Revilla and six others, Kenneth Edward Fernando testified that he did not see any signed documents stating that the former senator proposed the flood control project.

READ: Revilla’s ‘Bulacan ghost project’ case marked 95% complete in 21 days

Fernando, DPWH officer in charge of Bulacan’s 1st District Engineering Office, was responding to a question from Revilla’s counsel, Isaiah Asuncion.

Revilla is facing a separate graft charge before the Fourth Division over the allegedly anomalous project. Government prosecutors alleged that Revilla and the six others, including former public works officials in Bulacan, conspired to facilitate the release of P76 million for the construction of the flood control project in Purok 5, Barangay Bunsuran, Pandi town that was never implemented.

After the hearing, another Revilla’s counsel expounded on the DPWH official’s testimony.

“As far as Senator Revilla is concerned, we have been very consistent, we have been very clear in our defense, and we have established thus far, in the documents presented and in the testimonies presented today, that he has no participation whatsoever and no involvement in this project-whether ghost or not-he has no participation,” said Reody Anthony Balisi. —JOHN ERIC MENDOZA