BIR Commissioner says probe on Corona, family ongoing

MANILA, Philippines—Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) Commissioner Kim Henares on Thursday said the investigation against Chief Justice Renato Corona and his family are ongoing.

But Henares refused to give details saying the investigations being conducted are “confidential in nature.”

“It’s confidential unless the person subject of the investigation takes us to court, then it becomes also public information, but at this point these are all confidential proceedings,” Henares said at a press conference.

The BIR chief added she does not want people to think that what they are doing is a trial by publicity.

“Whatever we’re doing, it’s really because of our legal obligation. It’s our duty to do these things and we’d rather do it silently,” Henares said.

Part of the articles of impeachment against the Chief Justice is the alleged assets not included in his statement of assets, liabilities and net worth. Corona issued a statement through his lawyers on Wednesday that he will testify before the Senate Impeachment Court to answer under oath the allegations against him.

Last Jan. 25, summons were sent to the Chief Justice and his family and required them to submit all their accounting records and personal books of accounts.

“I can only assure everyone that first, we do not conduct an investigation unless there is a basis; second, we normally… try to protect even the people we are investigating. We want to win our case because of a legal basis and not because of anything else,” Henares said.