Bong Revilla

Bong Revilla was born as Jose Mari Mortel Bautista Jr. to actor Jose Acuña Bautista Sr. (1927–2020, known professionally as Ramon Revilla) and Azucena Mortel (1944–1998).[http://www.ramonbongrevillajr.com/profile/ Ramon "Bong" Revilla, Jr. Official Website Public Profile] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090124173209/http://www.ramonbongrevillajr.com/profile/ |date=January 24, 2009}} He has over 70 siblings, with his father once claiming that the number is probably above 80.{{cite news|author=ABS-CBN News|title=Ramon Revilla Sr. has 72 kids, says spokesperson|url=https://news.abs-cbn.com/nation/11/02/11/ramon-revilla-sr-has-72-kids-says-spokesperson|access-date=June 28, 2020|work=ABS-CBN News|publisher=ABS-CBN Corporation|date=November 2, 2011|location=Manila, Philippines}}{{cite news|last=Tuazon|first=Nikko|title=Ramon Revilla Sr. on having 72 children: "I should not be admired for this."|url=https://www.pep.ph/lifestyle/parenting/152287/ramon-revilla-sr-72-kids-a721-20200627|access-date=June 28, 2020|work=PEP.ph|publisher=ABS-CBN Corporation|date=June 27, 2020}} His six siblings are Marlon, Rowena, Rebecca ("Princess", born 1965), Strike (né Edwin, born 1970), Andrea (born 1975) and Diane,{{cite news|last=Valera|first=Nini|title=Revilla leaves DNA samples with NBI in case of paternity claims|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=1lY1AAAAIBAJ&pg=PA4|access-date=March 1, 2025|newspaper=Philippine Daily Inquirer|publisher=The Philippine Daily Inquirer, Inc.|date=March 7, 2007|page=A4}}{{cite news|last=Fabella|first=Ferdinand|title=Senator's daughter calls maids' charges vs her a fabrication|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=lJMVAAAAIBAJ&pg=PA6|access-date=March 1, 2025|work=Manila Standard|publisher=Kamahalan Publishing Corp.|date=June 4, 1997|page=6}}{{cite news|last=Valera|first=Nini|title=Hard news to break|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=KVY1AAAAIBAJ&pg=PA40|access-date=March 1, 2025|newspaper=Philippine Daily Inquirer|publisher=The Philippine Daily Inquirer, Inc.|date=March 16, 2005|page=A3-4|quote=Andrea [Bautista], 30, and Jun-Jun [Ynares], 32, only son of Rizal Gov. Casimiro Ynares, announced last week that they were getting married late this year.}} and among his half-siblings are Evelyn and Ramgen Jose ("Ram", 1988-2011).[http://www.mb.com.ph/articles/339614/ram-revillas-interment-set-wednesday Manila Bulletin: Ram Revilla's interment set] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111103062805/http://mb.com.ph/articles/339614/ram-revillas-interment-set-wednesday|date=November 3, 2011}}{{cite news|last=Go|first=Miriam Grace A.|title=Political Dynasties 2022: Revillas now the largest in Cavite|url=https://www.rappler.com/philippines/elections/results-families-local-races-cavite-political-dynasties-series-2022-polls/|access-date=March 1, 2025|work=Rappler|publisher=Rappler Inc.|date=May 20, 2022|location=Cavite, Philippines}}

In 1977, Bong Revilla finished his elementary education at Jesus Good Shepherd School in Palico II, Imus, Cavite. He finished his secondary education at Fairfax High School in Los Angeles, California, United States, in 1982. Ramon Revilla encouraged Bong Revilla to be a doctor, but the younger Revilla committed to pursuing his acting career.{{cite news |last1=Jorge |first1=Rome |title=Bong Revilla: Senator, family man and swashbuckler |url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=m7ljAAAAIBAJ&sjid=DSgMAAAAIBAJ&pg=1790%2C12443942 |access-date=30 May 2025 |work=The Manila Times |date=23 December 2005 |page=C1}}

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Bong Revilla entered the showbiz industry in 1973. He debuted in the film Tiagong Akyat as a seven-year old child actor. It was produced by the Revilla family-owned Imus Production and starred his father Ramon Revilla and Aurora Salve.{{cite news |title=Bong Revilla on showbiz and political careers: "Battle-tested na." |url=https://www.pep.ph/news/local/175299/bong-revilla-50th-anniversary-in-showbiz-a746-20230819 |access-date=30 May 2025 |work=PEP.ph |publisher=Philippine Entertainment Portal, Inc. |date=19 August 2013 |language=en}}{{cite news |last1=Santiago |first1=Ervin |title=Bong Revilla 50 years na sa showbiz, inalala ang kabilin-bilinan ng ama: huwag na huwag mali-late sa shooting, maging professional |url=https://bandera.inquirer.net/359612/bong-revilla-50-years-na-sa-showbiz-inalala-ang-kabilin-bilinan-ng-ama-huwag-na-huwag-mali-late-sa-shooting-maging-professional |access-date=30 May 2025 |work=Bandera |publisher=Philippine Daily Inquirer |date=17 August 2023 |language=fil}}

In the early 1980s, Revilla as a 14-year old featured in the film Bianong Bulag which also starred his father and Charito Solis. The younger Revilla played the role of the young version of the titular protagonist. The father and son also acted in the 1983 film Dugong Buhay.

After Dugong Buhay's production was wrapped up, the elder Revilla introduced his son to Lolit Solis who has became Bong Revilla's talent manager ever since. Solis' first project for Bong Revilla was a work by Tower Productions.{{cite news |last1=Salterio |first1=Leah C. |title=Four decades of partnership for Bong Revilla and Lolit Solis |url=https://qa.philstar.com/entertainment/2023/05/28/2269501/four-decades-partnership-bong-revilla-and-lolit-solis |access-date=30 May 2025 |work=The Philippine Star |date=28 May 2023}}

Revilla starred in the 2012 Metro Manila Film Festival entry, Si Agimat, si Enteng Kabisote at si Ako.{{cite news |last1=Requintina |first1=Robert |title=Bong Revilla returns to the big screen after 12 years, proclaimed 'Adopted Son' of Occidental Mindoro town |url=https://mb.com.ph/2024/4/9/bong-revilla-returns-to-the-big-screen-after-12-years-proclaimed-adopted-son-of-occidental-mindoro-town |access-date=30 May 2025 |work=Manila Bulletin |date=9 April 2024 |language=en}}

Revilla's acting career was put onto hiatus in 2014 due to being arrested for graft and plunder charges. He was acquitted five years later and re-elected as a Senator in the May 2019 election. Revilla returned to acting under GMA Network and was reportedly filming for the drama fantasy television series Agimat ng Agila in December 2019.{{Cite web|url=https://www.gmanetwork.com/entertainment/showbiznews/news/11786/in-photos-senator-bong-revilla-magbabalik-telebisyon-sa-agimat-ng-agila/photo/145937/senator-bong-revilla|title=IN PHOTOS: Senator Bong Revilla, magbabalik-telebisyon sa 'Agimat Ng Agila'|last=Ilaya|first=Felix|website=GMA Entertainment|date=17 December 2019|access-date=February 10, 2020|language=fil}}{{cite news |last1=Arnaldo |first1=Steph |title=Bong Revilla returns to TV in ‘Agimat ng Agila’ |url=https://www.rappler.com/entertainment/247493-bong-revilla-agimat-ng-agila-tv-show-2020/ |access-date=30 May 2025 |work=Rappler |date=19 December 2019}}

In April 2024, the filming for Birador: Alyas Pogi 4 with Revilla began. The upcoming media will mark Revilla's return to acting in feature films.

In June 1994, Revilla became a member of the then-ruling party Lakas–NUCD, which drafted him to be their gubernatorial candidate in Cavite.{{cite news |last1=Maragay |first1=Fel |title=Bong Revilla joins Laban |url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=2mUVAAAAIBAJ&sjid=5AoEAAAAIBAJ&pg=5480%2C1144282 |access-date=30 May 2025 |work=Manila Standard |date=9 June 1994}}{{cite news|last=Bocobo|first=Ariel|title=Local politics heating up|url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=3WUVAAAAIBAJ&sjid=5AoEAAAAIBAJ&pg=3978%2C3028276|access-date=November 18, 2021|work=Manila Standard|publisher=Kamahalan Publishing Corp.|date=June 21, 1994|page=11}} According to him, it was President Fidel V. Ramos who first convinced him to enter politics and invited him to join the party.{{cite news|url=https://mb.com.ph/2022/07/31/he-was-my-first-and-true-mentor-revilla-honors-fvr/|title='He was my first and true mentor': Revilla honors FVR|first=Betheena|last=Unite|work=Manila Bulletin|date=July 31, 2022|accessdate=August 18, 2022}} However, he was invited by National Bureau of Investigation director Epimaco Velasco, who also a Lakas member to be his running mate instead in the province. In the 1995 local elections, Velasco and Revilla won as governor and vice governor, beating the tandem of Juanito "Johnny" Remulla Sr. and Danilo Lara.

As vice governor, he chaired Cavite's Provincial Task Force Against Illegal Gambling named "Task Force Sugal na Bawal", Cavite Multi-Agency Anti-Drug Council, and Task Force Bantay Likas Yaman. His anti-drug efforts earned him recognitions from the International Narcotics Enforcement Officers Association, Inc.{{cite web|url=https://www.bongrevillajr.ph/about-bong|title=About Bong|website=Official Website of Ramong Bong Revilla, Jr.|accessdate=August 18, 2022}} He also founded the Ramon "Bong" Revilla Jr. Foundation Inc. and the RRJ People's Organization Inc., where he served as chairman and president and chairman, respectively.

In February 1998, Velasco resigned as governor of Cavite when he was appointed as Secretary of the Interior and Local Government, replacing then senatorial candidate Robert Barbers. Revilla then assumed the governorship of the province. In the May 1998 local elections, he won a full term for the position of governor.

As governor, Revilla also chaired various civic organizations such as the Cavite Clean and Green project, Region IV Peace and Order Council, Calabarzon Development Council, Cavite Provincial Peace and Order Council, Provincial Development Council, and the Cavite Provincial Tourism Council. He also founded the Cavite Rescue 161, an emergency response unit of the province. During his term as governor, the Cavite Computer Center and the Cavite-Korea Friendship Hospital were established, while projects such as the Cavite Sports Complex and the Cavite Convention Center were commenced. The Proposed Conceptual Provincial Development Plan of Cavite, also called Vision 2020, was also furnished during this term.

He completed a Special Local Chief Executive Program on Local Governance at the Development Academy of the Philippines in Pasig in 1998. He was given the Lifetime Achievement Award by the National Press Club in 1998 and was named as Most Outstanding Governor of Gawad Papuri Awards in 1999 and Most Outstanding Governor of the Department of Health Sandugo National Program in 2000.

During the Second EDSA Revolution from January 16 to 20, 2001, Revilla's political career deteriorated when he called for the resignation of his godfather, President Joseph Estrada, who was impeached and removed from office due to graft and corruption charges, at the height of the protest.{{cite news|url=https://www.philstar.com/headlines/2004/07/05/256410/new-faces-senate|title=The new faces at the Senate|first=Jose Rodel|last=Clapano|date=July 5, 2004|accessdate=August 5, 2022|work=The Philippine Star}}{{cite news|url=https://www.philstar.com/entertainment/2002/01/20/147687/145forgiven146-bong-revilla-healing-has-begun|title=The 'Forgiven': Bong Revilla: The healing has begun|date=January 20, 2022|accessdate=August 5, 2022|publisher=The Philippine Star|first=Ricky|last=Lo|author-link=Ricky Lo}} In his May 2001 reelection bid for governor, he was trounced by then-Representative Ayong Maliksi by a wide margin.

He returned to his acting career and became a TV actor in GMA Network's sitcom Idol Ko si Kap.

In July 2002, President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo appointed Revilla as chair of the Videogram Regulatory Board (now Optical Media Board). Revilla launched a massive campaign against the rampant smuggling and selling of fake VCDs all over the country. The Board was able to conduct 3480 major operations including routine inspections throughout the Philippines which seized goods worth over {{Philippine peso|5 billion|link=yes}}, convicted 21 optical disc pirates, 2 videotape pirates and 5 large-scale distributors and retailers. He was given a Plaque of International Recognition for Efforts Against Piracy by the Motion Picture Association of America on July 23, 2003, and the Huwarang Lingkod Bayan Award by the Consumers League of the Philippines Foundation, Inc. on October 25, 2003.

He also completed his course on Philippine Legislative Institutions and Processes at the Development Academy of the Philippines in November 2003.{{cite web|url=https://www-inquirer-net.webpkgcache.com/doc/-/www.inquirer.net/videos/images/corona-impeachment/profile-judges-bio/Revilla,%20Ramon%20Jr..doc|title=Revilla, Ramon Jr..doc|website=INQUIRER.net|accessdate=August 18, 2022}}

In February 2004, Revilla resigned as chair of the VRB and recommended Edu Manzano as his replacement. His father, Ramon Revilla Sr., ended his term as senator on June 30, 2004, upon being term-limited by the 1987 Philippine Constitution after serving two consecutive terms since 1992. He ran for the position of senator under the administration K-4 coalition. He won and received the second highest number of votes from the national electorate.

During the 14th Congress, Revilla was named as chair of the Senate Committees on Public Works and on Public Services, which he used to push his travel safety advocacies. He authored the Mandatory Helmet Act, which obliged all motorcycle riders, including back riders, to wear standard protective helmet to reduce motorcycle-related accidents in the country. Because of the said road safety measure, he was named Safety Ambassador both by the Land Transportation Office and Suzuki Philippines Inc. During the 15th Congress, he pursued policies on social justice, travel safety, lower tax, community empowerment and infrastructure development. He also pushed for the passage of his separate bills that would grant wage increase for private sector and government employees.

He was reelected for a second consecutive term with the highest number of votes in 2010, serving until 2016. On May 29, 2012, Revilla was one of the 20 senator-judges who voted to convict Chief Justice Renato Corona.

Despite the weakness of his party Lakas due to the arrest of former president and Pampanga 2nd district Representative Gloria Macapagal Arroyo, Revilla became chair of the party on February 5, 2013. He succeeded Albay 1st district Representative Edcel Lagman and was to potentially run as standard bearer of the party in the 2016 presidential election.{{Cite web |last=Salaverria |first=Leila B. |date=February 5, 2013 |title=Revilla not in a hurry for 2016 polls, says he's focused on May elections |url=https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/353091/revilla-not-in-a-hurry-for-2016-polls-says-hes-focused-on-may-elections |access-date=June 1, 2024 |website=INQUIRER.net |language=en}}{{cite news |url=http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/350361/bong-revilla-a-strong-contender-in-2016-lakas-cmd|title=Bong Revilla a strong contender in 2016 – Lakas-CMD|first=Karen|last=Boncocan|newspaper=Philippine Daily Inquirer|date=January 31, 2013}} On May 13, 2013, the day of the 2013 elections, the Cavite Philippine National Police and the National Bureau of Investigation raided the house of Revilla, and according to Revilla, he was harassed by the group of Senator Panfilo Lacson and former Governor Ayong Maliksi.{{cite web|url=http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/409945/more-police-surround-revillas-ancestral-home-in-cavite|title=More police surround Revillas' ancestral home in Cavite|date=May 15, 2013 |access-date=April 19, 2015}}

File:Bong Revilla after delivering "Salamat, Kaibigan".jpg and Jinggoy Estrada after the Revilla's speech Salamat, Kaibigan on June 9, 2014]]

After the 2013 elections, he was allegedly involved in the Priority Development Assistance Fund scam, along with Senate President Juan Ponce Enrile and Senator Jinggoy Estrada, contributing to entrepreneur Janet Lim-Napoles' bogus foundations.{{Cite news |last=Nonato |first=Vince F. |date=2018-12-08 |title=Pork barrel scam: Revilla acquitted; Cambe, Napoles guilty of plunder |url=https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/1061260/pork-barrel-scam-revilla-acquitted-cambe-napoles-guilty-of-plunder |access-date=2025-04-16 |newspaper=Philippine Daily Inquirer |language=en}}

The Commission on Audit, in its two-year investigation released on August 16, 2013, reported on the questionable release of the Priority Development Assistance Fund by 12 senators, including Revilla, and 180 representatives of Congress.{{Cite web|url=http://www.rappler.com//nation/36601-coa-audit-report-pdaf-2007-2009|title=COA special report on PDAF, 2007-2009|date=August 16, 2013|website=Rappler|language=en|access-date=December 28, 2018}} A month later, the National Bureau of Investigation filed plunder cases against Revilla, Enrile, and Estrada.{{Cite web|url=http://www.rappler.com//nation/39038-estrada-enrile-revilla-plunder-charges|title=Plunder complaints vs Estrada, JPE, Revilla|date=September 16, 2013|website=Rappler|language=en|access-date=December 28, 2018}}

On January 20, 2014, in his privilege speech to the Senate, he criticized the Aquino administration, revealing that he was talked to by the President along with then-Transportation and Communications Secretary Mar Roxas and Budget Secretary Florencio "Butch" Abad to convince him to convict the Chief Justice, Renato Corona.{{cite news|url=http://www.gmanetwork.com/news/story/344680/news/nation/bong-revilla-pnoy-personally-asked-me-to-convict-corona|title=Bong Revilla: PNoy personally asked me to convict Corona|work=GMA News|date=January 20, 2014|accessdate=August 18, 2022|first=Andreo|last=Calonzo}}

The Office of the Ombudsman, on April 1, 2014, found probable cause to indict Revilla, Enrile, Estrada, and Napoles with plunder,{{Cite web|url=https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/story/354958/news/nation/ombudsman-to-file-plunder-charges-vs-enrile-revilla-estrada-over-pork-scam/|title=Ombudsman to file plunder charges vs. Enrile, Revilla, Estrada over 'pork' scam|last=Legaspi|first=Amita O.|date=April 1, 2014|website=GMA News Online|language=en-US|access-date=December 28, 2018}} and filed plunder charges before the Sandiganbayan on June 6, 2014.{{Cite web|url=https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/609132/ombudsman-files-plunder-raps-vs-napoles-enrile-estrada-revilla|title=Ombudsman files plunder raps vs Napoles, Enrile, Estrada, Revilla|last=Cayabyab|first=Marc Jayson|date=June 6, 2014|website=Inquirer News|access-date=December 28, 2018}}

On June 9, 2014, Revilla delivered a second privilege speech entitled "Salamat, Kaibigan", as charges were filed against him in the Sandiganbayan. On June 20, the Sandiganbayan issued a warrant of arrest against Revilla and more than 30 others. Revilla proceeded to the Sandiganbayan to surrender, and he chose to be detained at the PNP Custodial Center at Camp Crame, Quezon City.{{cite web|url=http://www.rappler.com/nation/61091-bong-revilla-heads-for-sandiganbayan-to-submit-self-to-court|title=Bong Revilla off to surrender to anti-graft court|work=Rappler|date=June 20, 2014 |access-date=April 19, 2015}}

The Sandiganbayan suspended Revilla from public office and his senior aide Richard Cambe on August 4, 2014, for 90 days.{{Cite web|url=https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/story/373254/news/nation/sandiganbayan-orders-suspension-of-revilla-cambe/|title=Sandiganbayan orders suspension of Revilla, Cambe|last=Chiu|first=Patricia Denise|date=August 4, 2014|website=GMA News Online|language=en-US|access-date=December 28, 2018}} Revilla's bank accounts were frozen in 2015 as a consequence of the alleged involvement in the scam.{{cite web|url=http://www.philstar.com/headlines/2015/04/21/1446192/revilla-accounts-frozen-only-p291205-left|title=Revilla accounts frozen, but only P291,205 left|work=Philippine Star|access-date=April 21, 2015}}

His trial for plunder was rescheduled several times due to various motions filed by Revilla. The trial finally began on June 22, 2017.{{Cite web|url=http://cnnphilippines.com/news/2017/06/22/Bong-Revilla-plunder-trial.html|title=Ex-senator Revilla skips first day of plunder trial|last=Nicholls|first=AC|date=June 22, 2017|website=CNN|language=en|access-date=December 28, 2018|archive-date=December 28, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181228130624/http://cnnphilippines.com/news/2017/06/22/Bong-Revilla-plunder-trial.html|url-status=dead}}

File:PROCLAMATION OF SENATORS 2019.jpg

In 2018, Revilla through his wife, then Bacoor Mayor Lani Mercado, filed his candidacy for senator for the 2019 elections, with the endorsement of Presidential Daughter and de facto First Lady Sara Duterte, who is the leader of the political coalition Hugpong ng Pagbabago in order to include him to her 14 (later 16)-candidate slate for the Senate election in May 2019, which was criticized by opposition coalition Tindig Pilipinas due to his involvement in the Priority Development Assistance Fund (PDAF) scam with Jinggoy Estrada. On December 7, 2018, the Sandiganbayan acquitted Revilla of plunder in the PDAF scam. He still faces charges for 16 counts of graft, for which he posted {{Philippine peso|480,000}} bail.{{cite news|title=Bong Revilla cleared of plunder in pork barrel scam case|url=https://news.abs-cbn.com/news/12/07/18/bong-revilla-cleared-of-plunder-in-pork-barrel-scam-case|work=ABS-CBN News}}{{Cite web|date=December 7, 2018|title=Acquitted of plunder, Bong Revilla out on bail on graft charges|url=https://cnnphilippines.com/news/2018/12/07/Bong-Revilla-Janet-Lim-Napoles-plunder-pork-barrel-scam-PDAF.html|url-status=dead|access-date=June 3, 2021|website=CNN|language=en|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181209185008/http://cnnphilippines.com:80/news/2018/12/07/Bong-Revilla-Janet-Lim-Napoles-plunder-pork-barrel-scam-PDAF.html |archive-date=December 9, 2018 }} His chief aide Richard Cambe and PDAF scam mastermind Janet Napoles were convicted.

As part of his campaign, Revilla released a campaign video that featured himself and a group of children and his son Jolo dancing to budots.{{cite news|title=Netizens slam senatorial candidate Bong Revilla for 'Budot dance' campaign video|url=https://coconuts.co/manila/news/netizens-slam-senatorial-candidate-bong-revilla-for-budot-dance-campaign-video/ |access-date=May 16, 2019|work=Coconuts Manila|date=May 6, 2019}} Revilla describe his decision to dance as part of his campaign as an "accident" and said he was encouraged by his son Jolo to do so. The campaign went viral.{{cite news |title=Senator Bong Revilla, may bagong version ng Budots dance|trans-title=Senator Bong Revilla, has new version of the Budots dance |url=https://www.pep.ph/pepalerts/pep-troika/185640/senator-bong-revilla-budots-a4118-20250303-lfrm |access-date=30 May 2025 |work=PEP.ph |publisher=Philippine Entertainment Portal, Inc. |date=3 March 2025 |language=fil}} He was elected to the Senate, placing eleventh in the 2019 elections. He credits his acquittal and the budots ad campaign for his successful election.{{cite news |title=Revilla credits plunder acquittal, ‘budots’ ad campaign for ‘Magic 12’ ranking|url=https://www.abs-cbn.com/news/05/17/19/revilla-credits-plunder-acquittal-budots-ad-campaign-for-magic-12-ranking |access-date=30 May 2025 |work=ABS-CBN News |date=17 March 2019}}

In September 2021, the Philippine Offshore Gaming Operator (POGO) Law, which regulated and legalized POGOs nationwide, was signed into law by President Duterte. Senator Revilla voted in favor of the controversial law that legalized gambling corporations known for illegal activities, ranging from tax evasions to harboring illegal Chinese nationals.{{cite web | url=https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/money/economy/789975/senate-approves-bill-imposing-5-tax-on-pogo-gross-revenues/story/%3famp | title=Senate approves bill imposing 5% tax on POGO gross revenues | date=June 2, 2021 }}{{cite web | url=https://www.rappler.com/newsbreak/fact-check/bong-go-previously-supported-pogos-now-against-operations/ | title=FACT CHECK: Bong Go 'against' POGOs, but previously supported their operations in PH | date=September 13, 2024 }}

On November 17, 2021, he offered Davao City Mayor and 2022 vice presidential aspirant Sara Duterte the chairmanship of Lakas-CMD, which she later accepted, succeeding him.{{Cite news |last=Mercado |first=Neil Arwin |date=November 17, 2021 |title=Inday Sara accepts Lakas-CMD chairmanship |newspaper=Philippine Daily Inquirer |url=https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/1516400/inday-sara-accepts-lakas-cmd-chairmanship |access-date=June 20, 2022}} He later became one of the party's co-chairpersons.{{cite press release|url=http://legacy.senate.gov.ph/press_release/2022/0801_revilla1.asp|title=Sen. Revilla honors the life of former President Ramos; Pays Tribute During Senate Session|date=August 1, 2022|accessdate=August 5, 2022|website=Senate of the Philippines}} Revilla currently chairs the Senate Committee on Civil Service, Government Reorganization and Professional Regulation and the Senate Committee on Public Works.

In December 2022, Revilla sponsored a Senate bill proposing to lower the age by which senior citizen benefits can be enjoyed, from 60 to 56 years old.{{Cite web |title=Revilla wants to lower senior citizen age to 56 so they can enjoy benefits sooner |url=https://www.philstar.com/headlines/2022/12/06/2228996/revilla-wants-lower-senior-citizen-age-56-so-they-can-enjoy-benefits-sooner |access-date=December 7, 2022 |website=Philstar.com}} Revilla celebrated his 56th birthday September of this year, which he marked with a month-long celebration, which included grocery, cash, and other giveaways.{{Cite web |title=Press Release - Netizens storm requests for a repeat of Bong Revilla's "Relax ka lang, Grocery mo sagot ko" shopping spree |url=http://legacy.senate.gov.ph/press_release/2022/1019_revilla1.asp |access-date=December 7, 2022 |website=legacy.senate.gov.ph}}{{Cite web |title=BONGGANG BIRTHDAY GIVEAWAY NI BONG REVILLA — Official Website of Ramon Bong Revilla, Jr. |url=https://www.bongrevillajr.ph/post-press-releases/2022/9/20/bonggang-birthday-giveaway-ni-bong-revilla |access-date=December 7, 2022 |website=Ramon Bong Revilla, Jr. |date=September 20, 2022 |language=en-US}}

On May 19, 2023, Revilla was reinstalled as chairman of Lakas–CMD, replacing Sara Duterte, who left the party earlier that day.{{cite news|url=https://mb.com.ph/2023/5/19/lakas-cmd-reinstalls-bong-revilla-as-chairman-cong-lani-bares-on-fb|date=May 19, 2023|accessdate=June 13, 2023|first=Ellson|last=Quismoro|work=Manila Bulletin|title=Lakas-CMD reinstalls Bong Revilla as chairman, Cong Lani bares on FB}}

Revilla sought re-election in the 2025 Philippine Senate election under the Alyansa para sa Bagong Pilipinas coalition of President Bongbong Marcos.{{Cite web |last=Gita-Carlos |first=Ruth Abbey |date=2024-09-26 |title=PBBM bares admin's 2025 senatorial slate |url=https://beta.pna.gov.ph/articles/1234201 |access-date=2024-09-26 |website=Philippine News Agency |language=en-US}} Dismissed by critics as Mr. Budots, Revilla says he passed 343 passed bills and highlighted laws which benefited teachers, students, and senior citizens.{{cite news |last1=Mendoza |first1=John Eric |title='Mr. Budots’? Reelectionist Revilla touts perfect attendance, inked laws |url=https://www.inquirer.net/416353/mr-budots-reelectionist-revilla-touts-perfect-attendance-inked-laws/ |access-date=30 May 2025 |work=Philippine Daily Inquirer |date=7 October 2024 |language=en}}{{cite news |last1=Lalu |first1=Gabriel Pabico |title=Revilla claps back at ‘budots’ flak: I danced to 343 passed bills |url=https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/2035816/revilla-addresses-budots-critique-i-danced-to-over-2000-bills-343-laws |access-date=30 May 2025 |work=Philippine Daily Inquirer |date=18 February 2025 |language=en}}

File:Lawyer Raymond Fortun in a press conference regarding the cyberlibel complaint filed by outgoing Senator Bong Revilla.jpg

Revilla lost, placing 14th in the official tally.{{Cite web |last=Sarao |first=Zacarian Gavin |last2=cbuban |date=2025-05-13 |title=Poised to lose senatorial bid, Revilla says it's time for unity |url=https://www.inquirer.net/443338/poised-to-lose-senatorial-bid-revilla-says-its-time-for-unity/ |access-date=2025-05-15 |website=Inquirer.net |language=en}} He admitted to being sad on the lost and believes that misinformation around his PDAF case was the reason why he lost.{{cite news |last1=Lalu |first1=Gabriel Pabico |title=Bong Revilla 'sad' about being an alleged misinformation victim |url=https://www.inquirer.net/445334/bong-revilla-sad-about-being-an-alleged-misinformation-victim/ |access-date=30 May 2025 |work=Philippine Daily Inquirer |date=26 May 2025 |language=en}} With the support of his counsel, Raymond Fortun, Revilla plans to file cyberlibel charges against online content creators who mostly posted critical content against Revilla two weeks in the lead up to the election.{{cite news |last1=Bordey |first1=Hana |title=Bong Revilla eyeing raps vs. fake news peddlers after Eleksyon 2025 loss —lawyer |url=https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/topstories/nation/947377/bong-revilla-eyeing-raps-vs-fake-news-peddlers-after-eleksyon-2025-loss-lawyer/story/ |access-date=30 May 2025 |work=GMA News Online |date=26 May 2025 |language=en}} The consistent position of content creators is that Revilla must return the {{Philippine peso|124.5 million}} to the national treasury, however Revilla's camp dispute this since he was not found to be criminally liable for plunder he is no longer required to return the funds. They cite Article 100 of the Revised Penal Code, which states that "every person criminally liable for a felony is also civilly liable."{{cite news |last1=Lalu |first1=Gabriel Pabico |title=Bong Revilla suing spreaders of unreturned 'pork' after poll loss |url=https://www.inquirer.net/445303/bong-revilla-suing-spreaders-of-unreturned-pork-after-poll-loss/ |access-date=30 May 2025 |work=Philippine Daily Inquirer |date=26 May 2025 |language=en}}

Ramon "Bong" Bautista Bong Revilla Jr. (after his 2009 legal name change{{cite news |title=Include aliases of Revilla, wife in freeze order – prosecution |url=https://www.rappler.com/nation/freeze-order-revilla-wife-aliases |access-date=October 4, 2021 |work=Rappler |date=April 6, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211003224931/https://www.rappler.com/nation/freeze-order-revilla-wife-aliases |archive-date=October 3, 2021}}{{cite news|last=Tan|first=Kimberly Jane|title=Revilla Jr.'s surname is now Bong Revilla|url=https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/news/nation/184067/revilla-jr-s-surname-is-now-bong-revilla/story/|access-date=October 4, 2021|work=GMA NewsTV|date=February 16, 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201108000350/https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/news/nation/184067/revilla-jr-s-surname-is-now-bong-revilla/story/|archive-date=November 8, 2020}}) married Lani Mercado (Jesusa Victoria Hernandez-Bautista), an actress and incumbent representative of the 2nd district of Cavite that comprises only Bacoor, in a civil wedding in 1986. They have seven children, namely:

• Leonard Bryan Bautista (Bryan Revilla, born in November 1986), representative for Agimat Partylist
• Jose Lorenzo Bautista III (Ramon "Jolo" Revilla III, born in March 1988), representative from Cavite–1st, married to Angelica Alita
• Inah Felicia Bautista-Del Rosario (Inah Revilla, born in October 1989),{{cite news |last=Cayabyab |first=Marc Jayson |title=3,992 pass Bar exam; UP, Ateneo dominate |url=https://www.philstar.com/headlines/2023/04/15/2259056/3992-pass-bar-exam-up-ateneo-dominate |date=April 15, 2023 |work=The Philippine Star |access-date=April 15, 2023}} married to Vince del Rosario
• Maria Alexandra Bautista (1990–1990/1991)
• Ma. Viktoria Gianna Bautista (born in August 1995), married to Jed Patricio.{{cite news |last1=Cupin |first1=Bea|title=In Silang, a Revilla wedding, Sara Duterte's oath-taking|url= https://www.rappler.com/newsbreak/inside-track/revilla-wedding-sara-duterte-lakas-cmd-oath-taking-silang-cavite/|accessdate=June 23, 2024 |publisher= Rappler|date=November 11, 2021}}
• Ma. Franzel Loudette Bautista (born in October 1997){{cite news |last1=Requintina |first1=Robert |title=Sen. Bong Revilla, Cong. Lani Mercado's daughter is now a licensed doctor|url=https://mb.com.ph/2024/10/19/sen-bong-revilla-cong-lani-mercado-s-daughter-is-now-a-licensed-doctor#google_vignette |accessdate= October 21, 2024 |work = Manila Bulletin|date=October 20, 2024}}
• Ramon Vicente "Ramboy/RV" Bautista (Ram Revilla, born in December 1998), Cavite vice governor

In 2024, Revilla confirmed fathering illegitimate children but never revealed their names nor their mothers. It was previously confirmed that Revilla had an affair with Lovely Guzman, a non-showbiz personality whom he had dated before marrying Mercado, and, together, they have one son named Luigi (born Francis Luigi Guzman in 1992). Guzman in 1999 later married Patrick Joseph Santos, who also legally adopted Luigi.{{cite news|url=https://www.gmanetwork.com/entertainment/showbiznews/family/9840/in-photos-meet-luigi-revilla-bong-revilla-jrs-son-with-lovely-guzman/photo|title=IN PHOTOS: Meet Luigi Revilla, Bong Revilla, Jr.'s son with Lovely Guzman|first=Michelle|last=Caligan|date=October 4, 2018|accessdate=June 20, 2022|work=GMA News}}{{cite news|url=https://mb.com.ph/2021/10/22/sc-denies-actor-luigi-revillas-petition-to-change-surname/|title=SC denies actor Luigi Revilla's petition to change surname|first=Rey|last=Panaligan|date=October 22, 2021|work=Manila Bulletin|accessdate=September 4, 2022}} Revilla's relationship with Guzman rekindled after he lost his daughter with Mercado, named Maria Alexandra, who died just 26 days after birth due to a heart condition resulted by the use of contraceptives.{{cite news|url=https://news.abs-cbn.com/nation/12/17/12/bong-revilla-blames-pill-daughters-death|date=December 17, 2012|title=Bong Revilla blames pill for daughter's death|first=David|last=Dizon|work=ABS-CBN News|accessdate=June 20, 2022}} Mercado chose to stay with him due to her love for him and their children.{{cite news|url=https://ent.abs-cbn.com/tonightwithboyabunda/videos/97092118-twba-naging-mahirap-ba-kay-lani-na-tanggapin-ang-ibang-anak-ni-bong-173218|title=TWBA: Naging mahirap ba kay Lani na tanggapin ang ibang anak ni Bong?|date=September 22, 2018|website=ABS-CBN Entertainment|accessdate=June 20, 2022}}

Revilla is the fourth of the seven children of actor and former Philippine senator Ramon Revilla Sr. and Azucena Mortel Bautista. He is the younger brother of Marlon Bautista, a former nominee of 1-Pacman Party List,{{cite news|url=https://www.1pacmanpartylist.com/cavite-throw-supports-behind-1pacman-partylist/|title=Cavite throw supports behind 1Pacman Partylist|first=Jojo|last=Gamboa|website=1-Pacman Partylist|date=March 6, 2019|accessdate=June 3, 2024}} and the older brother of incumbent Bacoor mayor Strike Revilla and former Antipolo mayor Andrea Bautista-Ynares, who is married to former Rizal governor Casimiro "Jun" Ynares III. He also has at least 32 paternal half-siblings,{{cite news|last=Go|first=Miriam Grace|title=he wealth of the old man Revilla|url=https://www.rappler.com/newsbreak/42959-wealth-old-man-revilla|access-date=June 28, 2020|work=Rappler|publisher=Rappler Inc.|date=November 5, 2013}}{{cite news|title=Ramon Revilla Sr. has 72 kids, says spokesperson|url=https://news.abs-cbn.com/nation/11/02/11/ramon-revilla-sr-has-72-kids-says-spokesperson|access-date=June 28, 2020|work=ABS-CBN News|publisher=ABS-CBN Corporation|date=November 2, 2011|location=Manila, Philippines}} including actor Ram Revilla, who was murdered in 2011.{{cite web|url=http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/84761/senator-ramon-%E2%80%98bong%E2%80%99-revilla%E2%80%99s-half-brother-ram-killed-friday-midnight|title=Son of former Sen. Ramon Revilla Sr. killed in Paranaque|date=October 29, 2011 |access-date=April 19, 2015}}

Two universities have conferred Revilla with honorary doctorates:

• Cavite State University (2005, Doctor of Public Administration)
• Nueva Vizcaya State University (2006, Doctor of Humanities)

• Adopted Son of Sablayan – Sablayan, Occidental Mindoro Resolution No. 2024-SDM335

• Alyas Pogi 2 (1991) (executive producer - as Jose Mari Bautista)
• Ako Ang Katarungan (Lt. Napoleon M. Guevarra) (1993) (producer - Jose Mari Bautista)
• Iukit Mo sa Bala! (1994) (producer - as Jose Mari M. Bautista)
• Ang Titser Kong Pogi (1995) (executive producer - as Jose Mari M. Bautista)
• Kung Marunong Kang Magdasal, Umpisahan Mo Na (1996) (producer - as Jose Mari Bautista)
• Yes Darling: Walang Matigas na Pulis 2 (1997) (producer - as Jose Mari M. Bautista)
• Sabi Mo Mahal Mo Ako, Wala Ng Bawian (1997) (producer - as Jose Mari M. Bautista)
• Pepeng Agimat (1999) (line producer - as Jose Mari Bautista)
• Minsan ko Lang Sasabihin (2000) (line producer - as Jose Mari M. Bautista)

{{Reflist|group="note"}}

{{Notelist}}

{{reflist}}

• {{commonscat-inline}}
• {{Official website|www.bongrevillajr.ph}}
• {{IMDb name|1142519|Ramon 'Bong' Revilla Jr.}}

{{Commons category|Bong Revilla}}

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