Prosecution undecided on Corona dollar deposit

MANILA, Philippines – Prosecutors have yet to decide whether they would use the $10-million accounts allegedly owned by Chief Justice Renato Corona, according to Iloilo Representative Niel Tupas Jr., the lead prosecutor Wednesday.

In a text message to INQUIRER.net, he said that they have yet to reach a decision on the issue but explained that they were awaiting the next steps Corona’s defense counsel would take once the impeachment proceedings resume on May 7.

Tupas said much of their decisions would depend on how the defense will play its cards at the Senate.

Ombudsman Conchita Carpio-Morales, acting on several complaints, has already ordered Corona to explain the bank deposit amounting $10 million.

Meanwhile, Akbayan Representative Walden Bello, one of the complainants in Corona’s supposed $10 million bank accounts also urged the Ombudsman to forfeit the chief magistrate’s undeclared dollar deposits and properties.

Corona has branded the Ombudsman’s action to be part of President Benigno Aquino III’s ‘retaliation’ against the high tribunal’s decision to distribute Cojuangco-owned Hacienda Luisita and pegged the land valuation at 1989 price.