MANILA — Former senator Ramon “Bong” Revilla Jr. has formally requested the Department of Justice (DOJ) for additional time to respond to criminal complaints linked to alleged anomalies in Bulacan flood control projects.

Prosecutor General Richard Anthony Fadullon confirmed that Revilla and former lawmaker Zaldy Co were named as “proponents” in the complaints.

“There’s a request for an extension to file the counter-affidavit. So, the panel will act accordingly… we just have to see and await the results of the preliminary investigation,” Fadullon said.

He added that the cases initially involved only Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) officials. “Eventually, there were pieces of evidence submitted by the National Bureau of Investigation, and this time included proponents,” he said.

DOJ spokesperson Polo Martinez said Revilla and Co were added as respondents in complaints involving SYMS Construction and Trading, as well as in NBI complaints concerning ghost projects by Wawao Builders and Topnotch Catalyst Builders.

“However, please note that the cases pertaining to Wawao and Topnotch are still currently undergoing initial evaluation, which comes prior to the conduct of preliminary investigation,” Martinez said.

Fadullon noted that the resolution of the three cases initially submitted is expected before December 15. (PNA)