Manila: Former senator Ramon 'Bong' Revilla Jr. has formally requested additional time from the Department of Justice to respond to criminal charges related to alleged irregularities in flood control projects in Bulacan. Revilla, along with former lawmaker Zaldy Co, is implicated as a 'proponent' in these projects, according to Prosecutor General Richard Anthony Fadullon.

According to Philippines News Agency, Prosecutor General Fadullon confirmed the inclusion of Revilla and Co in the complaints, originally involving only Department of Public Works and Highways officials. Fadullon stated that new evidence from the National Bureau of Investigation expanded the list of respondents to include these former lawmakers.

DOJ spokesperson Polo Martinez added that Revilla and Co are now additional respondents in cases involving SYMS Construction and Trading, and are also part of complaints concerning ghost projects linked to Wawao Builders and Topnotch Catalyst Builders. Martinez noted that the cases related to Wawao and Topnotch are still under initial evaluation before any preliminary investigation.

Fadullon anticipates that resolutions for the initially submitted three cases will be completed by December 15.