The Firm says media blitz makes Corona look like a politician

MEDIA BLITZ Besieged Chief Justice Renato Corona comes out firing against his critics in exclusive interviews separately on “Unang Hirit,” “Super Balita sa Umaga,” and “News to Go” all on GMA TV and radio on Wednesday. PHOTO COURTESY OF GMA 7

The former law partners of Senior Associate Justice Antonio Carpio on Thursday vehemently denied Chief Justice Renato Corona’s claims that they were behind the “professional hatchet job” against him.

In an e-mailed statement, the influential Villaraza Cruz Marcelo & Angangco law office (CVCLaw), or more known as “The Firm,” dismissed as “absolutely false” Corona’s allegations “and conspiracy theories.”

Speaking for The Firm, Bienvenido I. Somera Jr., CVCLaw managing partner and chief operating officer, said in the statement the Chief Justice’s media blitz was “more suitable of a politician than a sitting magistrate.”

“We deny in no uncertain terms the baseless allegations of Chief Justice Corona. These accusations and conspiracy theories are absolutely false and (are intended to) divert public attention away from the issues in his trial,” Somera said.

He said Carpio, one of The Firm’s founding partners, cut off his relationship from the law office since he was named to the Supreme Court in 2001.

“(Carpio) no longer has any interest in our firm. His sterling record in public service honors the institution he represents and serves as an inspiration to us as well as others in our profession,” said the CVCLaw managing partner.

Should Corona be convicted by the Senate impeachment court, Somera said The Firm would “respect the sole prerogative” of President Benigno Aquino III to “appoint his replacement.”

“We join the nation in the belief that the President will appoint a Chief Justice of his own choice, (one who has) probity, integrity and independence, and not one dictated by others,” Somera said.

“We have stated as early as December 2011 that our firm will not participate in the impeachment trial. Events have borne this statement to be true as we have declined any requests for assistance in the trial. None of our lawyers have appeared as counsel for either side.” Marlon Ramos