SC denies Revilla plea to inhibit Carpio
Sen. Bong Revilla. INQUIRER FILE PHOTO
MANILA, Philippines – The Supreme Court has rejected the plea of Senator Ramon “Bong” Revilla Jr. for the inhibition of Senior Associate Justice Antonio Carpio.
Revilla sought the inhibition of Carpio due to his relationship with Ombudsman Conchita Carpio-Morales. Morales approved the filing of plunder and graft cases against Revilla which he is questioning before the high court. The Ombudsman and Justice Carpio are cousins.
On the other hand, Associate Justice Martin Villarama inhibited from Revilla’s petition because his wife, former Supreme Court en banc Clerk of Court Ma. Luisa Villarama, is an Ombudsman consultant.
Revilla wants the high court to stop the plunder and graft proceedings before the Sandiganbayan.
In his petition, he said Ombudsman Carpio-Morales committed grave abuse of discretion in issuing the joint resolution dated March 28, 2014 that has found probable cause to charge him with plunder.
He added that his rights to due process have been violated when the Ombudsman denied his request that he be given copies of evidence against him so he can properly air his side.
The Ombudsman said his defenses are better presented at a full blown trial.
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