Bong Revilla testifies in plunder case
THE long anticipated testimony and cross-examination of former Senator Ramon Bong Revilla, Jr. in his case pending in the First Division of the Sandiganbayan was overshadowed by the explosive testimonies of whistleblowers Marina Sula and Arlene Baltazar on June 28.
The former legislator took the stand around 3 p.m. after he was cleared by the two government witnesses from any involvement in the alleged Priority Development Assistance Fund (PDAF) scam.
Revilla was examined by his lawyer, Estelito Mendoza, on his knowledge about the accusations hurled against him.
He testified that he never prepared and signed endorsement letters, Memoranda of Agreement (MOAs), and liquidation reports.
He likewise stressed not receiving any proceeds from PDAF. “Wala po akong natanggap – never – from PDAF or whatsoever from Janet Lim Napoles, or anybody from JLN,” he said.
He also corrected the prosecution that his co-accused, Atty. Richard Cambe, was not his chief of staff but was his head for legislation. “My chief of staff was Reena Alejar.”
He replied to a query that they never talked about money matters since Cambe was never authorized to transact any business relating to PDAF.
On cross-examination, the prosecution attempted to force Revilla to admit knowing about the endorsements because of his letter requests to the Department of Budget and Management (DBM).
Revilla stressed that under the law, it was the duty of lawmakers to request the DBM for funds, but their participation ends there.
Justice Edgardo Caldona, meanwhile, clarified a letter allegedly sent by Revilla to the Commission on Audit which the prosecution claims contains Revilla’s admission of all his signatures.
“I’ve never encountered this document! This is not my signature,” Revilla said.
Marina Sula and Arlene Baltazar had earlier revealed that it was Benhur Luy who prepared and faked all PDAF documents used against Revilla. They also cleared Revilla of any participation in the scam and asserted Revilla never received any kickback.
Aside from exposing being coached by the prosecution to just corroborate all statements by Luy, the duo also revealed they were ordered by Luy to nail down Revilla one week before they took the stand.