MANILA — The Sandiganbayan has issued a warrant of arrest against former senator Bong Revilla and six other individuals in connection with a P92.8-million flood control project in Pandi, Bulacan, which authorities say was a non-existent or “ghost” project.

Media reports on Monday evening, January 19, said the warrants were released following the filing of charges for malversation of public funds through falsification of public documents, a non-bailable offense.

The Office of the Ombudsman filed the complaints on January 16 against Revilla, former Department of Public Works and Highways engineer Brice Hernandez, and five others.

Investigators alleged that Revilla and his co-accused conspired to facilitate the release of P76 million in public funds for the project despite its non-implementation. Official inspection reports and witness accounts reportedly confirmed that the project was never carried out.

Revilla is also facing a pending plunder complaint before the Department of Justice, where his co-accused include other lawmakers and contractors.