Defense ditches allegation that Corona’s 40 % condo discount was given as favor
MANILA, Philippines—The defense panel branded as ridiculous the allegation of the prosecution that Chief Justice Renato Corona was given a 40-percent discount for the Bellagio condominium unit in exchange for a favorable decision in a case involving developer Megaworld pending before the Supreme Court.
Defense counsel and spokesman Ramon Esguerra also urged the media they “should not be pawns of the prosecution and erroneously connect the two because it is totally absurd to promise a “gift” in advance of a favorable decision
Esguerra said Tuesday that the Supreme Court decision where Megaworld won was in March 31, 2004, while Bellagio unit was purchased in 2008.
The March 31, 2004 Supreme Court case referred to the Megaworld Properties and Holdings, Inc. v. Cobarde(G.R. No. 156200), which was authored by the Chief Justice. This decision granted the petition of Megaworld and absolved it from the responsibility of paying broker’s commission in a compromise agreement. In this case, the Supreme Court ordered Megaworld to be paid Php5,853,793.01 by the opposing parties.
“Connecting the decision to the alleged 40% discount amounting to P10 million requires some manipulative thinking,” emphasized Esguerra.
He explained the Bellagio condominium unit was purchased in October 2008. The last payment of which was in October 2009. The decision was rendered in March 2004.
“That Megaworld would extend to the Chief Justice the alleged discount in exchange for a favorable ruling five years earlier is incredulous. Does not make sense at all,” said Esguerra.
Esguerra added that aside from the 2004 case, Megaworld also has another case with the Supreme Court in 2009 where Megaworld lost its case. In Megaworld Globus Asia, Inc. v. Tanseco (G.R. No. 181206), a decision penned by then Associate Justice Conchita Carpio-Morales, Megaworld lost that case for its failure to complete and deliver a condominium unit to its buyer.
Megaworld was ordered to pay P21,725,438.02. Esguerra pointed out the Chief Justice was one of those who voted against Megaworld.
He added in another case, the Chief Justice also concurred in the decision against Megaworld in the case of Megaworld Globus Asia Inc, v. Clerica Holdings Inc. (G.R. No. 175391) in 2007 where it was ordered to pay Php14,522,955.00.
