Former senator Ramon “Bong” Revilla Jr. arrives at the Sandiganbayan in Quezon City on Tuesday, Jan. 20, 2026, for the issuance of his commitment order and booking procedures, accompanied by his wife, Cavite 2nd District Rep. Lani Mercado-Revilla, and Interior and Local Government Secretary Jonvic Remulla. Revilla surrendered the previous night after authorities confirmed the issuance of an arrest warrant in connection with graft and malversation cases linked to a flood control project in Pandi, Bulacan. The cases remain pending before the court. PHOTO CREDIT: Joan Bondoc / Philippine News Agency (PNA)
MANILA — Former senator Ramon Bong Revilla Jr. was ordered detained at the Quezon City Jail on Tuesday, January 20, after surrendering to authorities following the issuance of arrest warrants by the Sandiganbayan in connection with alleged irregularities in a government flood control project in Bulacan.
The Sandiganbayan’s Third Division directed that Revilla be held at the facility operated by the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology along Payatas Road in Barangay Bagong Silang, Quezon City. In its commitment order, the court stated that the accused “shall not be moved, removed, transferred, or otherwise released unless ordered by the Court.”
Revilla appeared before the court at about 10:15 a.m. on Tuesday, for the processing of commitment papers and standard booking procedures, hours after he surrendered to law enforcement authorities on Monday night.
Charges tied to flood control project
According to court records, the Sandiganbayan issued arrest warrants on Monday against Revilla and six other individuals facing graft and malversation charges linked to the implementation of a flood control project in Bulacan. Prosecutors allege that public funds were improperly handled during the execution of the project.
The court has not ruled on the merits of the cases. The charges are distinct from the pork barrel cases in which Revilla was acquitted in 2018.
Surrender after warrants issued
Revilla surrendered after learning that the arrest warrants had been issued. In a video posted on his verified social media account on Monday night, he confirmed that he had been informed of the warrant and said he would submit himself to the authorities.
“We received information that my warrant of arrest is out. This is saddening,” Revilla said in the video. He added that he believed there was a lack of due process, while stating that he would face the charges in court.
Authorities later confirmed that Revilla was taken into custody and brought before the Sandiganbayan in compliance with the court’s orders.
Law enforcement coordination
Interior Secretary Jonvic Remulla was present during the turnover of Revilla to court authorities, according to photographs released by law enforcement agencies. Officials said the surrender and detention were conducted pursuant to the arrest warrants and commitment orders issued by the Sandiganbayan.
Proceedings to follow
The anti-graft court is expected to set the next hearings, including arraignment, in accordance with its rules of procedure. Any determination on bail will be made by the court based on the applicable law and the nature of the charges.
Revilla remains in custody as the cases proceed. Under Philippine law, the filing of criminal charges and the issuance of arrest warrants do not constitute a finding of guilt. The accused is presumed innocent unless proven otherwise by final judgment.
