Corona allows release of SALN

MANILA, Philippines—Embattled Chief Justice Renato Corona, through his defense panel, allowed on Wednesday Supreme Court Clerk of Court Enriquetta Esguerra-Vidal to turn over to the Senate acting as impeachment court his statement of assets, liabilities and net worth, or SALN.

Speaking to reporters at the Senate, defense team spokespersons Karen Jimeno and Tranquil Salvador III said that Corona had told two members of his defense team that Vidal would not face punishment from him if she turns over his SALN. They, however, clarified that they could not speak for the decision of the 14 other justices aside from Corona.

“Mismong siya ang nagsabi, kung ako lang naman ay sige na (ngunit) hindi niya puwedeng i-waive ’yong karapatan ng ibang judges,” Salvador explained.

In a press conference Wednesday afternoon at the Supreme Court, spokesperson Jose Midas Marquez said, “The decision is consistent with the earlier decision of the Chief Justice to release the SALN.”

Salvador added the Chief Justice said that he did not worry over the presentation of his SALN to the impeachment court.