Four Former DPWH Officials Added to Revilla Flood Control Scam Case
The corruption case against former senator Ramon "Bong" Revilla Jr. has expanded significantly, with four former Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) officials now included in the complaint regarding allegedly anomalous flood control projects. This development comes as Revilla's legal team continues to file motions, including a recent petition for bail.
New Respondents Identified by Justice Department
Department of Justice (DOJ) spokesperson Polo Martinez confirmed during a press briefing on Friday that the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) filed a motion on February 18, 2026, to include additional respondents in the case. "Two days ago, Feb. 18, 2026, the NBI filed a motion to include additional respondents in this case," Martinez stated.
The four former DPWH officials named in the complaint are Denryl Caesar Cortuna, Manny Bulusan, Ruel Umali, and Arturo Gonzales Jr. According to Martinez, these individuals will be subpoenaed and given the opportunity to submit their counter-affidavits. "Pagbibigyan po sila na makapag-sumite ng kontra-salaysay where they can include their defenses," he explained, emphasizing their right to present their side of the story.
Background of the Accused Officials
Denryl Caesar Cortuna and Manny Bulusan both previously served as officer-in-charge district engineers of the South Manila District Engineering Office under DPWH - National Capital Region (NCR). Their roles placed them in positions of authority over infrastructure projects in the region.
Ruel Umali was formerly associated with the Metro Manila 3rd District Engineering Office, while Arturo Gonzales Jr. served in the Office of the Assistant District Engineer of the Quezon City 1st District Engineering Office, also under DPWH-NCR. These positions suggest direct involvement in the planning and implementation of flood control initiatives.
Legal Proceedings and Delays
Due to this significant development, the preliminary investigation scheduled for Friday was postponed. Instead, it has been rescheduled to March 3, 2026, to accommodate the inclusion of the new respondents and allow time for their legal responses.
Meanwhile, former senator Revilla continues to navigate his own legal challenges. He recently filed a petition for bail in connection with a malversation case he is facing before the Sandiganbayan. This case is linked to alleged kickbacks from flood control projects in Bulacan, adding another layer to the complex web of corruption allegations.
Revilla's arraignment and pre-trial proceedings were also reset on Monday, February 9, 2026, pending the resolution of his motions for reconsideration. He was photographed leaving the Sandiganbayan in Quezon City following that court appearance, maintaining his innocence throughout the process.
Broader Implications of the Case
The expansion of this case to include former DPWH officials highlights the systemic nature of the alleged corruption in flood control projects. These infrastructure initiatives are critical for public safety, particularly in flood-prone areas like Bulacan and Metro Manila.
The DOJ's handling of this case demonstrates a continued effort to hold both political figures and government technicians accountable for their roles in questionable projects. As the preliminary investigation approaches on March 3, all eyes will be on how these additional respondents respond to the allegations and what evidence emerges during the proceedings.
