Fiscals rest ‘pork’ case vs Revilla

MANILA, Philippines — Prosecutors from the Office of the Ombudsman ended their presentation of evidence yesterday in the plunder trial of former senator Ramon Revilla Jr. in connection with the pork barrel fund scam.

Government lawyers are expected to submit a formal offer of evidence next and prepare for a demurrer to evidence that the defense intends to file.

The prosecution is accusing Revilla and his co-accused of amassing unexplained wealth reaching P224.5 million through the misuse of pork barrel funds that were channeled to bogus non-government organizations (NGOs) reportedly controlled by trader Janet Lim Napoles.

Allegedly, the NGOs implemented fictitious or ghost projects while giving the former senator kickbacks or commissions in exchange for the funding.

Defense lawyer Estelito Mendoza said a demurrer to evidence “simply means we will be contesting that the evidence of the prosecution has not proven the guilt of the accused beyond reasonable doubt.”

 Revilla, who has denied all the accusations against him, has been detained in the Philippine National Police custodial center at Camp Crame for over three years.