FORMER senator Ramon “Bong” Revilla Jr. has requested Sandiganbayan Associate Justice Karl Miranda to recuse himself from the malversation case against him, alleging a conflict of interest due to the judge’s familial connection to a potential witness.
Revilla’s legal team filed an urgent motion with the Sandiganbayan Third Division, highlighting that Justice Miranda’s brother, lawyer Buenaventura Miranda, represented former DPWH Secretary Roberto Bernardo during a Senate inquiry into flood control projects. Bernardo has since become a state witness and could potentially testify against Revilla.
During Monday’s proceedings, Justice Miranda addressed the motion, emphasizing that he disclosed his relationship with his brother from the outset. He also clarified that the Third Division did not specifically request the Revilla case; it was assigned through the Sandiganbayan’s internal raffle system.
Miranda asserted that there was no legal basis for mandatory inhibition and reaffirmed his commitment to impartiality. He stated, “Under applicable rules, there is no ground for my mandatory inhibition… Because this is my duty.”
He further emphasized that personal relationships have never influenced his judicial decisions and that he remains committed to upholding the Sandiganbayan’s core values.
Justice Miranda acknowledged his friendship with one of Revilla’s legal counsels, Ramon Esguerra, prior to Revilla’s motion. He assured that the motion for inhibition would be carefully considered and resolved promptly to determine whether voluntary inhibition is warranted.
