BIR chief: Corona understated his SALN from 2002 to 2010

MANILA, Philippines–An investigation by the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) showed that Chief Justice Renato Corona “understated” his statement of assets, liabilities, and net worth (SALN) from 2002 to 2010 or since he became a member of the Supreme Court, the BIR chief disclosed on Monday.

Testifying before the Senate sitting as an impeachment court, BIR Commissioner Kim Henares pointed out the “discrepancies” in Corona’s assets based on certificate authorizing registration (CAR) and SALN submitted to the Senate sitting as an impeachment court.

Henares said that for year 2002, Corona did not declare his 9 properties in Marikina City.

The Chief Justice did not also declare the 9 properties in 2003 and declared a La Vista property in Quezon City at only P3 million when the amount should have been P11 million.

In his 2003 SALN also, Henares said Corona reported another property at only P821, 080 when its acquisition cost should have been P2.5 million.

“Therefore, his net worth is understated because the net worth he reported was P7 million when it should actually be P14 million not including the Marikina properties that were not reported,” said the BIR chief said.

Henares said Corona should have also reported a net worth of P21 million, instead of P7 million, in 2004 but he did not declare his condo unit in Makati City.

In 2005, Henares noted that Corona did not disclose in his SALN a property that he allegedly owned in Fort Bonifacio, Taguig City.

Corona have should also reported a net worth of P31.2 million in 2006 but Henares said the Chief Justice reported P8.3 million only.

For 2007, Henares said Corona should have reported a P24 million net worth but he only reported P7 million.

Corona reported a net worth of P12 million in 2008 when it should have been P25 million.

In 2009, Henares said Corona should have reported a net worth of P52 million but his SALN reflected a P14.5 million net worth only.

Henares said Corona’s net worth in 2010 “went down” but did she did not provide other details.