Renato Corona: Trial outside more intense than actual impeach court’s

MANILA, Philippines—Chief Justice Renato Corona said his trial outside the impeachment court is more intense than the actual trial noting of a “professional demolition job” against him.

The high court chief on Wednesday said even those not included in the articles of impeachment is released through the media.

Among those mentioned by the Chief Justice is the allegation of Ana Basa, a relative of his wife Ma. Cristina Corona. Her father filed an estafa case against Mrs. Corona for her alleged failure to account the P34-million income from the property of Basa-Guidote Enterprise Inc.(BGEI).

BGEI is allegedly a family-owned corporation of Mrs. Corona.

Corona also took note of the pronouncements of President Benigno Aquino III that his conviction would be an exclamation point to the government’s anti-corruption drive.

“If that is so, then they should not have dropped the five out 8 articles of impeachment. If they believe that, then, they should have been true to their words that they will strip me and show my true colors in public,” Corona said over GMA News.

Corona said he was informed that there are many people behind the demolition job against him.

“I respect them if they believe that they are only doing their duty,” Corona said.

Early this week, an edited picture of Corona appeared in the social networking site Facebook supposedly a banner story with the title “Corona kills self.”

Aside from that, there are also series of text blasts promoting anti-Corona articles and hitting on senator-judges allegedly favoring the high court chief. The text messages are usually articles against Corona which are sent to members of the media and even lawyers and staff of the defense team. To date, about 30 mobile phone numbers are being used to send daily text messages.

There are also rumors circulating that he has a child out of wedlock. He said what he finds amusing is the rumor the has an affair with a Brazilian model.

“Mrs. Corona is my one and only,” he said.

“This is the lowest point of my life. I am just thankful that there are still people who believe in me,” Corona said.

He added that what is happening now is taking a toll in his family.