Loss of public confidence enough grounds for Corona to quit, says Negros group

BACOLOD CITY, Negros Occidental, Philippines—A Negros Occidental congressman on Wednesday said Chief Justice Renato Corona should resign, saying the Congress’ loss of confidence in him was enough ground for him to do so.

Negros Occidental Rep. Alfredo Abelardo Benitez (3rd district) made this comment as 70 Negrenses, many of whom have become members of the Negrenses for Corona’s Resignation (N4CR), joined a mass for “truth and justice” at the Montelibano Chapel at the University of St. La Salle (USLS) in Bacolod City at 11:30 a.m. Wednesday.

“The appointment of the chief justice is ratified by the Commission of Appointments of Congress, so technically it is Congress that really appoints him,” Benitez said at a press conference in Talisay City.

Benitez maintained that betrayal of public trust, one of the three grounds for impeaching a public official, meant loss of confidence.

The simple loss of confidence by Congress in Corona was sufficient under the Constitution for Corona to be convicted, he pointed out.

Benitez noted that Corona’s omissions in his Statement of Assets, Liabilities and Net Worth did not speak well of him as the chief justice.

Several members of the NC4R also cited the need for upright government officials.

“It is about time we elevate the standards of public officials. It is not okay for them to get away even with just a small crime,” he said.

At the mass for “Truth and Justice,” Edwin Balajadia said the congressmen have a big role in educating the public on the impeachment and the need for justice and truth.  They should link up with the people in providing mass education of the masses on the impeachment issues, Balajadia added.

“We can only have good government, if our officials who have done wrong are penalized,” he said.

Kid Bañas said they have been praying for truth to come out “so we can cleanse government and achieve our desire for good governance.”

Lawyer Andrea Si said they were joining the mass because they wanted truth and justice to be the end result of the impeachment trial of Corona.

“We are putting this before God because we believe that God will have the real version of what truth and justice is,” Si said.

Delia Locsin said justice could only be attained through the truth.

The truth would be enough to have Corona removed from office, the chief justice must be above reproach, Locsin added.

Meanwhile, a USLS statement said on Thursday that the university was not responsible for and had no part in the N4CR mass.