Senate Watch | Bong Revilla’s Arraignment in Flood Control Malversation Case Deferred

The arraignment of former senator Ramon Bong Revilla Jr. in a malversation case linked to a flood control project has been deferred, according to court proceedings before the Sandiganbayan.

The case involves allegations tied to a flood control project that prosecutors say was either not implemented as reported or lacked sufficient proof of completion. An arraignment is the stage where an accused formally enters a plea; its deferral pauses that step without resolving the merits of the case.

Court deferrals typically occur for procedural reasons—such as pending motions, scheduling issues, or compliance matters—and do not amount to a dismissal. The court is expected to set a new date once requirements are satisfied.

Revilla has consistently denied wrongdoing in corruption-related cases and, as with all defendants, enjoys the presumption of innocence. The proceedings will continue under the court’s calendar, with future dates to be announced.

Quiet takeaway: A deferred arraignment delays a plea—not the pursuit of due process.