Malversation, plunder raps eyed vs Bong Revilla

It's a “low-hanging fruit” and there is “enough evidence” to warrant the indictment and arrest possibly before Christmas - of former senator Ramon “Bong” Revilla Jr. for malversation or plunder in connection with flood control projects, Ombudsman Jesus Crispin Remulla said yesterday.

- By ELIZABETH MARCELO

In an interview with ANC, Remulla said his office is nearing the conclusion of its preliminary investigation on Revilla’s alleged involvement in flood control anomalies.

Remulla did not specify exactly when cases would be filed in court against the former senator.

“I think malversation would be the predicate crime, possibly plunder. It (investigation) is something that is ongoing right now,” Remulla said when asked to specify the cases being readied against Revilla.

In the latter part of the interview, when Remulla was asked if any “big fish” in the flood control controversy would be arrested soon, he said there is definitely one getting jailed before Christmas.

“Of course there is. Just relax. We'll make no announcement, it will just happen,” Remulla said in Filipino.

Asked if any senator would be served an arrest warrant before Christmas, the ombudsman replied: “Possible. Maybe next week.”

Pressed further if he was referring to Revilla, Remulla said the former senator’s case is considered a “low-hanging fruit” or ripe for filing.

“That's the low-hanging fruit. We have been investigating it for a long time,” Remulla said in Filipino.