Aquino aide takes issue with bar association over statements

MANILA, Philippines—An aide to President Benigno Aquino took issue Saturday with the leadership of the Integrated Bar of the Philippines over its statements regarding the impeachment trial of Chief Justice Renato Corona.

The IBP on Friday said the House prosecution had failed to prove Corona’s alleged ill-gotten wealth after two weeks of hearings by the Senate impeachment court.

“As a member of the IBP also, I will say that the views being propounded by the leadership of the IBP are not mine. I know a lot of IBP members also who do not subscribe to the views propounded by the officers of the IBP,” said Abigail Valte, one of Aquino’s spokespersons.

“I don’t know how they come up with this. Do they come up with it on their own or do they consult their members? Certainly I have not been consulted,” she added.

In a bulletin released on Friday, the IBP said that the prosecution fell short of proving Corona’s alleged ill-gotten wealth.

The IBP said the prosecution’s comparison of Corona’s income tax returns with his statements of assets, liabilities and net worth would not suffice to show prima facie presumption of guilt that would warrant his conviction.

“Obviously, there are steps before coming to that conclusion that you have to do,” Valte said, adding the administration’s contention that the prosecution panel—made up of Aquino’s allies in the House of Representatives—was able to produce the evidence that it needed to present in court.

“The important thing is the evidence that the prosecution wanted to come up with was brought out so that we can come to the conclusion” of whether Corona is fit or not to remain chief justice, she added.