The Sandiganbayan Third Division entered a not guilty plea on behalf of Revilla after he refused to make a plea or respond to the charges against him, as reported by RH Val Gonzales.

The case stems from alleged irregularities in the ₱92.8-million flood control project in Pandi, which prosecutors claim involved the misuse of public funds.

Also entering a not guilty plea was Revilla’s co-accused, Juanito Mendoza, a district engineer of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) in Bulacan, who had not yet been arraigned prior to the hearing.

Last week, five other co-accused were formally arraigned. They include former DPWH Bulacan District Engineer Brice Hernandez, Bulacan engineer JP Mendoza, former engineer Arjay Domasig, Emelita Juat, and DPWH 4th District Engineering Office cashier Christina Pineda.

Following the arraignment, the Sandiganbayan scheduled Revilla’s pre-trial on March 6. The submission of evidence was set from February 23 to 27.

Lawyers for the former senator also announced that they will file a petition for bail, seeking his temporary release while the case is being heard in court.