Inside the Ghost Project Scandal: Bong Revilla Surrenders as Sandigan-bayan Orders Arrest
In a dramatic turn for the multi-billion peso "ghost" flood control scandal, former Senator Ramon “Bong” Revilla Jr. voluntarily surrendered to authorities on Monday night, January 19, 2026. The move follows a decisive resolution from the Sandiganbayan Third Division, which found probable cause to issue a warrant of arrest and a hold departure order against the former lawmaker and several others.
The surrender marks a significant escalation in the investigation of the P92.8-million flood control project in Pandi, Bulacan—a project that state prosecutors claim exists only on paper.
The Midnight Surrender at Camp Crame
Accompanied by his wife and children, Revilla arrived at the Philippine National Police (PNP) National Headquarters in Camp Crame past 9:00 PM. The Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG), led by Director Maj. Gen. Robert Alexander Morico II, officially served the warrant and took the former senator into custody.
In a video statement posted to his Facebook page shortly before his surrender, an emotional Revilla lamented the speed of the proceedings while maintaining his innocence.
“Nakakalungkot po, parang wala yatang due process. Pero ganon pa man, haharapin ko ito nang walang takot at alam kong hindi ako pababayaan ng Diyos dahil wala po akong kasalanan dito,” Revilla said.
According to the PNP, Revilla underwent standard booking procedures, which included documentation and a mandatory medical examination, to ensure compliance with legal protocols.
Anatomy of a "Ghost" Project
The charges stem from a January 16 malversation and graft filing by the Office of the Ombudsman. Investigators allege that Revilla, in conspiracy with six officials from the DPWH Bulacan 1st District Engineering Office, facilitated the release of P76 million for a flood control project in Barangay Bunsuran, Pandi.
Despite being declared "100% complete" to trigger government payments, field inspections and witness testimonies revealed the project was never actually implemented. The case gained momentum after former DPWH Undersecretary Roberto Bernardo, now a state witness, alleged that he delivered over P375 million in kickbacks to Revilla’s residence between 2024 and 2025 in exchange for endorsing various flood control initiatives.
The Support System: A GME Academy Perspective on Professional Accountability
While this case unfolds in the halls of justice, it serves as a stark reminder of the importance of Accountability Partners and Mentorship—principles we emphasize at Global Markets Eruditio.
In high-stakes environments, whether in public service or Forex trading, the absence of an objective "second pair of eyes" can lead to catastrophic lapses in judgment. For a trader navigating the EUR/USD or GBP/JPY, an accountability partner ensures that rules are followed and "ghost" strategies don't drain an account.
Just as a mentor at GME Academy helps a student avoid the landmines of the Global Markets, every professional needs a system that demands transparency. Without it, the risk of "overconfidence bias"—believing one is above the rules—becomes a liability that no winning streak can cover.
What’s Next for the Case?
As of Tuesday morning, January 20, several of Revilla's co-accused have also been taken into custody. These include DPWH engineers and a cashier arrested in operations stretching from the Senate to Benguet. Because malversation of public funds can be a non-bailable offense depending on the specific circumstances of the conspiracy, Revilla remains in CIDG custody pending further court orders.
The Sandiganbayan has also instructed the Bureau of Immigration to prevent the respondents from leaving the country, ensuring they remain to face the charges.
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