Bong Revilla faces graft, malversation charges | The wRap

Here are today’s headlines – the latest news in the Philippines and around the world:

• Bong Revilla faces graft, malversation cases over flood control corruption

Former senator Bong Revilla, who was involved in the pork barrel scam, now faces multiple criminal cases with the anti-graft court Sandiganbayan. The Office of the Ombudsman files cases against Revilla on Friday, January 16 for alleged graft and malversation.

• New appointments? Work over? Marcos previews ICI’s sundown  

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. says the Independent Commission for Infrastructure’s work is ‘coming toward the end.’ The ICI is an ad hoc body Marcos created through an executive order in September 2025 to investigate corruption tied to government flood-control and other infrastructure projects.

• Leviste denies he made money from selling franchise to Pangilinan’s Meralco group

Batangas 1st District Representative Leandro Leviste denies allegations he had sold the franchise of his solar energy company for personal gain. In a radio show on Saturday, January 10, Ombudsman Boying Remulla said Leviste was under investigation for ‘flipping’ his company’s franchise.

• PH seeks to block AI chatbot Grok due to explicit deepfakes

The Philippine government blocks AI chatbot Grok over its ability to create sexually explicit deepfakes of people. In a radio show on Friday, January 16, DICT Secretary Henry Aguda says Grok had violated multiple laws including the Anti-Child Pornography Act.

• South Korea court sentences ex-president Yoon to 5 years in prison for obstruction

A South Korean court sentences former President Yoon Suk Yeol to five years in prison on charges that included obstructing attempts by authorities to arrest him. — Rappler.com