Defense seeks probe into Corona’s leaked bank records

MANILA, Philippines – Defense lawyers of Chief Justice Renato Corona will investigate how copies of their client’s bank records were leaked.

“We thought that the purpose of the subpoena was to see the documents. It turns out that they’ve already been leaked,” lawyer Tranquil Salvador said in Filipino Thursday before the start of the impeachment trial.

The defense wants to know “how it was released and from whom,” Salvador said, adding that inquiries on who the purported “little lady” is should be directed to an investigation into the issue.

He said that they also aimed to study the chain of custody, adding that there were talks that even members of the media received copies of the document through electronic mail.

But even with the copies received by media, Salvador said that it would be difficult to establish from where the mail came from.

He said that they would still discuss, in the event that they are able to trace the origin of the document, whether they would lodge a case against the perpetrator.

Reacting on questions about the spontaneity of the rally outside the high tribunal on Thursday, the defense spokesman said that holding such activities were “up to the people” and “voluntary.”

“It’s hard to conclude whether many support him but we are glad that little by little, the people are beginning to understand.”

He added in jest “hindi ako ang promotor nyan [I did not start that],” saying that the issue, being extra-legal, was not part of their job.

Salvador added that Corona was “holding well under the circumstances.”