TARLAC CITY, September 3, 2026 - Tarlac 3rd District Representative Noel “Bong” Rivera has pleaded not guilty in one of nine graft cases filed against him before the Sandiganbayan.

Rivera personally appeared before the Sandiganbayan Fourth Division on September 2 for his arraignment. According to prosecutors, he waived the formal reading of the charge before entering a plea of not guilty.

The case is among nine graft charges filed against Rivera in connection with allegations of conflict of interest involving government infrastructure contracts.

The Office of the Ombudsman earlier filed nine counts of graft against Rivera over alleged violations of Section 3(h) of Republic Act No. 3019, or the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act. The cases were distributed among several divisions of the Sandiganbayan.

The allegations concern Rivera’s reported financial interest in Tarlac 3-G Construction and Development Corporation while serving as a member of Congress.

INQUIRER.net reported that the cases involve alleged ties to contractors that obtained approximately ₱214 million in contracts from the Department of Public Works and Highways.

Other reports on the cases have cited broader allegations involving infrastructure contracts awarded to Tarlac 3-G Construction and Development Corporation during Rivera’s term. Rivera has denied involvement in corruption and has previously said he is prepared to face the complaints filed against him.

The filing of charges and Rivera’s not guilty plea do not constitute a finding of guilt.

The cases remain pending before the Sandiganbayan and will undergo further court proceedings, including the presentation and evaluation of evidence.

Rivera remains presumed innocent unless proven guilty beyond reasonable doubt through a final judgment of the court.

Everything Tarlac will continue monitoring official court proceedings and verified developments concerning the cases.