Sandiganbayan Justice Appeals for Calm, Trust in Judiciary Amid Marcoleta Plunder Case

MANILA, Philippines — In an unusual move for the Sandiganbayan, Associate Justice Karl Miranda broke his decade-long silence to appeal for public calm and trust in the judiciary amid the tense situation surrounding the plunder case of Senator Rodante Marcoleta. Miranda, chairperson of the Sandiganbayan Third Division, which issued the arrest warrant against Marcoleta and his co-accused for plunder stemming from P75 million in campaign donations received while the senator was a House lawmaker, stated, "the situation today is different; that is why I am making an exception." He emphasized that the judiciary, being the "most conservative branch of government," typically speaks only through its official orders, resolutions, and decisions. However, he felt the need to break this norm to counter an information vacuum. "To the general public, I just want to say this: Do not fear. Do not be anxious because the court, the judiciary, is here to provide a peaceful forum for the resolution of disputes inside the courtroom and not in the streets," Miranda urged. The announcement of the case by Ombudsman Jesus Crispin Remulla last week led to the mobilization of up to 16,000 members of the Iglesia ni Cristo (INC), a prominent Christian sect to which Marcoleta belongs, in support of the senator. This resulted in a gridlock at the Edsa People Power Monument in Quezon City, a major artery in Metro Manila. While the number of protesters dwindled to hundreds later at Liwasang Bonifacio, INC spokesperson Edwil Zabala announced the end of the protest, decrying the charges against Marcoleta as "selective justice" and "distortion of law." Miranda acknowledged the public's sentiment, stating, "We see you. We hear you. We understand you. We understand your call that all involved should be accountable, and this is my pledge to you, and this is my guarantee." He assured the public that the court is prepared to fulfill its duty. "The court is just waiting. The court is ready. The court is ready and waiting for whatever case the Ombudsman will file to whoever. The court will do its duty." "I urge the public to trust the judiciary to do its duty. Trust the Sandiganbayan. Most importantly, trust the Supreme Court, which is the final arbiter of all legal disputes," he concluded. The intervention by the Sandiganbayan justice highlights the sensitivity of the case and the potential for public unrest, especially given the involvement of a prominent religious group. It also underscores the judiciary's efforts to maintain public confidence in its impartiality and its role in upholding the rule of law.