Sandiganbayan upholds ruling denying Revilla's bid to bar justice

The Sandiganbayan Third Division has affirmed its earlier order denying former Senator Bong Revilla's attempt to remove Associate Justice Karl Miranda from his malversation case, citing insufficient grounds for the recusal motion. The ruling was promulgated on October 22, according to court records.

Miranda, who chairs the Third Division, was the magistrate who previously denied Revilla's petition for bail. The former lawmaker had sought to bar the justice from further participation in the trial, arguing bias based on the bail denial.

The appellate court's reaffirmation of its stance means the case will proceed with Miranda continuing as the presiding judge. The decision underscores the court's position that a judge's ruling on a bail petition does not constitute sufficient cause for recusal under existing jurisprudence.

The malversation case against Revilla stems from accusations related to the Priority Development Assistance Fund scam. The case has been one of the most closely watched anti-corruption prosecutions in the Philippines.