Revilla readies plea to stop arrest warrant

MANILA, Philippines — Sen. Ramon "Bong" Revila, Jr.'s camp is set to file a petition to block an arrest warrant from being issued by the Sandiganbayan over the "pork barrel" scandal.

Revilla's lawyer, Joel Bodegon, said that the senator is "ready to face the consequences," but they will file a motion for judicial determination to object "irregularities" in the Office of the Ombudsman's preliminary investigation on the multibillion-peso fund scam.

"These irregularities will surely be considered by the Sandiganbayan whether there is basis to issue the warrant of arrest or to dismiss the case," Bodegon said.

Revilla is accused of pocketing P517 million from Priority Development Assistance Funds through businesswoman Janet Lim Napoles' fraudulent non-government organizations. Facing plunder charges with him are senators Jose "JInggoy" Estrada and Juan Ponce Enrile as well as Napoles and her two children.

The Office of the Ombudsman dismissed Revilla's motion for reconsideration on Thursday and is expected to file charges before the anti-graft court soon.

Read: Enrile, Estrada, Revilla pleas vs. 'pork' cases dismissed

Bodegon denied that his client's motion is a delaying tactic, and accused Ombudsman Conchita Carpio-Morales of violating Revilla's right to due process.

"They (Office of the Ombudsman) are the ones who are delaying this case by denying us access to documents that are needed in order for the side of Sen. Bong Revilla to be properly heard," the lawyer said.

As a respondent, Revilla has a right to review existing evidence and statements of witnesses purportedly used against him, Bodegon argued.

"The Ombudsman refused to give them to us when the Constitution precisely guarantees that right to be able to confront the witnesses against us and answer allegations," he added.

Whistleblowers alleged that Revilla transacted with Napoles with his chief-of-staff Richard Cambe as agent. Cambe also faces plunder complaint.

Revilla has denied all allegations.