House minority slams Ombudsman’s probe on Corona’s alleged $10-M deposits

Acting on complaints submitted to her office, Ombudsman Conchita Carpio Morales ordered Corona on April 20 to explain in writing how he managed to have millions in peso and US-dollar accounts in the bank despite his modest government salary. MARIANNE BERMUDEZ

MANILA, Philippines—Members of the House of Representatives minority bloc on Wednesday slammed Ombudsman Conchita Carpio-Morales’ investigation on the alleged $10-million deposits of Chief Justice Renato Corona.

Minority leader and Quezon Representative Danilo Suarez, along with Isabela Representative Rodolfo Albano, Zambales Representative Ma. Milagros Magsaysay and Siquijor Representative Orlando Fua told reporters that their happiness over the resumption of their duties this week had been dampened by Morales’ investigation on Corona’s alleged $10-million deposits.

“We see no rhyme or reason behind these new charges, except perhaps to lay the basis for filing yet another impeachment case next year, in case the administration loses this battle,” said Suarez.

He said the proceedings will be “interesting” after defense counsel Jose Roy III revealed that Corona would testify in the impeachment trial.

The chief magistrate’s appearance before the Senate, sitting as an impeachment court, “will clear the issue once and for all” and could expedite the proceedings, he added.

Despite their stand on the $10-million allegation, Magsaysay said that they would “at least have closure, move on and tackle important issues” once the trial ends.

“He has to make the people who accused him appear in court. Lahat on record and he can also answer on record. Anyone can speak and malign everybody. Kung may laman man o wala ang charges, mas mabuti na magkaalaman na (If they have bases or none on the charges, it’s better to know the truth).”