Senate Watch | ₱93-M ‘Ghost’ Project: Revilla, 6 Others Face Graft, Malversation Charges

Senator Ramon Bong Revilla Jr. and six other individuals are facing graft and malversation charges over an alleged ₱93-million “ghost” infrastructure project, according to court filings linked to anti-corruption prosecutors.

The case centers on claims that public funds were released for a project that was either never completed or never existed at all—raising red flags about documentation, disbursement, and project validation. Authorities allege that despite the absence of actual implementation, payments were processed and funds were accounted for as if the work had been carried out.

Charges were filed before the Sandiganbayan, which handles cases involving public officials accused of corruption-related offenses. Graft charges typically address abuse of authority or undue advantage, while malversation focuses on the misuse or misappropriation of public funds.

Revilla has consistently denied wrongdoing in corruption cases filed against him in the past, maintaining that allegations should be resolved through due process. As with all defendants, the presumption of innocence applies until proven otherwise in court.

The filing of charges marks a procedural step, not a verdict. The court will determine whether sufficient evidence exists to proceed to trial and eventually rule on accountability.

Quiet takeaway: When public money funds “nothing,” accountability must fund the truth.