Sandiganbayan upholds P92-million flood control case against Revilla

MANILA — The Sandiganbayan Third Division has denied a motion filed by former Senator Bong Revilla and his co-accused seeking dismissal of charges in a malversation case involving a purported phantom flood control infrastructure project in Bulacan valued at more than P92 million.

Third Division Clerk of Court Atty. Dennis Pulma announced the ruling on Wednesday, confirming that Revilla's bid to have the case thrown out was rejected by the appellate court.

The case centers on allegations that funds appropriated for flood control measures in Bulacan were misappropriated through the contracting of non-existent or substandard infrastructure projects. Such schemes are among the most common forms of graft and corruption prosecuted by the specialized anti-graft court.

With the dismissal motion rejected, the case is expected to move forward in the judicial process. The Sandiganbayan, which has exclusive jurisdiction over graft cases involving public officials, will proceed with examining the merits of the malversation charges against Revilla and his co-accused.

The case represents one of several high-profile corruption investigations involving prominent Philippine political figures that have advanced through the courts in recent years.