Court denies Revilla's motion to exclude judge from malversation case

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The Sandiganbayan has denied, due to lack of merit, the appeal of former Senator Ramon “Bong” Revilla Jr. to exclude Sandiganbayan Third Division chairperson and Associate Justice Karl Miranda from presiding over the P92.8 million malversation case over a non-existent flood control project in Bulacan.

In an October 22 Resolution, the anti-graft court sustained its earlier decision denying Revilla's motion seeking the inhibition of Miranda by citing that Revilla merely repeated his earlier arguments which were already addressed by the Sandiganbayan in its September 24, 2026 Resolution.

“Revilla had not provided any new or additional act, conduct, or circumstance that could be considered as clear and convincing evidence of Justice Miranda’s bias and prejudice that would warrant his recusal from hearing the instant case,” a statement from the anti-graft court said.

The Sandiganbayan Third Division said that in determining the appearance of impartiality, the circumstances are measured based on the metric of a reasonable, fair-minded, and informed person, not on Revilla’s perception as an accused.

“Based on the perspective of a reasonable observer, the circumstances enumerated by Revilla would not create an impression that Justice Miranda is impartial. Even if these circumstances are examined in their totality, a reasonable observer would find that there is absolutely no connection between Justice Miranda’s remarks on Good Conduct and Time Allowance Law before all accused and his relationship with Atty. Buenaventura B. Miranda, counsel of former Undersecretary of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Roberto R. Bernardo,” the anti-graft court said.

“Moreover, the court ruled that a reasonable observer would not simply ascribe Justice Miranda’s vote to deny Revilla’s petition for bail to the former’s relationship with Atty. Miranda but instead examine whether such vote was supported by a thorough review of the evidence presented to the court,” the Sandiganbayan added.

It was Miranda who is the lone Sandiganbayan Third Division justice who voted against the granting of Revilla's petition for bail. —LDF, GMA News