OUTGOING Senator Ramon “Bong” Revilla Jr. is blaming fake news as the sole reason for his failed re-election bid in the 2025 midterm polls and is now planning legal action against those behind the alleged smear campaign against him.
Revilla, who failed to make it to the Top 12 in the senatorial race last May 12, believes that “malisyosong mga post” on social media contributed to his defeat.
Revilla’s camp is particularly targeting those behind online content accusing him of being liable for the supposed return of P124.5 million in pork barrel funds, a charge his lawyer said was already disproven in court.
“After consulting with his family, Senator Revilla has decided to defend his and the family’s reputation by exercising the legal remedies for people whose reputations are harmed through online platforms,” said his legal counsel, Atty. Raymond Fortun.
Fortun lamented that despite Revilla’s acquittals in 2018 and 2021, “certain individuals and groups” continued to circulate disinformation ahead of the 2025 elections.
“Senator Revilla had high hopes that the public will continue to trust his commitment to improve the quality of life for Filipinos,” Fortun said. “However, it is regrettable that his aspiration to continue to be of service to the country has been derailed due to the insidious work done by certain groups and individuals who had spread fake news on social media, which unfortunately was accepted as gospel truth by the unsuspecting public.”
Revilla has not yet named specific individuals or groups but said he is determined to pursue accountability.
