Former Senator Ramon “Bong” Revilla Jr. has asked Sandiganbayan Associate Justice Karl Miranda to inhibit himself from hearing the ₱92.8-million “ghost” flood control project case in Pandi, Bulacan.
Revilla’s camp filed an urgent motion before the Sandiganbayan Third Division, chaired by Miranda, citing a possible conflict of interest.
The justice is the brother of lawyer Buenaventura Miranda, who served as counsel for former Public Works Undersecretary Roberto Bernardo during the Senate Blue Ribbon Committee inquiry.
Bernardo has since become a state witness and may testify against Revilla.
Addressing the motion, Justice Miranda said he had disclosed his connections from the start and that the case was raffled to his division in accordance with court rules.
“Fair is fair. Huwag iti-twist. Under applicable rules, there is no ground for my mandatory inhibition. And that is the reason why I am sitting here. Because this is my duty,” he said.
Miranda added that the motion would still be studied to determine whether voluntary inhibition is warranted. He also disclosed that he is friends with one of Revilla’s lawyers, Ramon Esguerra.
Revilla’s spokesperson, lawyer Francesca Señga, stressed that impartiality must be upheld not only in fact but also in appearance.
“Dapat may impression ka rin sa mga tao na wala kang kinikilingan,” she said.
The prosecution opposed the motion, describing it as a delaying tactic. Señga rejected this claim, saying Revilla is merely asserting his legal rights.
“Sinusundan po namin ang tamang proseso at ginagamit lang po namin ang lahat ng maaaring magamit na proseso nang naaayon sa kanyang karapatan,” she said.