A big poster of a smiling Renato Corona serves as a backdrop of the altar for the Thanksgiving Mass held at the Supreme Court compound on Thursday, May 17, 2012, to commemorate the second anniversary of Corona as Chief Justice. PHOTO BY TETCH TORRES
MANILA, Philippines—“See you next year,” Chief Justice Renato Corona told farmers from Hacienda Luisita as he greeted them after the Thanksgiving Mass at the Supreme Court on Thursday to celebrate his second year as Chief Justice. Corona was joined by the farmers, who hailed Corona as their “defender.”
“Salamat sa suporta niyo. Ginawa ko na ang lahat para sa inyo (Thank you for your support. I have already done all I could for you). See you next year,” Corona said, indicating that he remains positive that he will stay as Chief Justice.
Corona is set to testify before the Senate impeachment court on May 22 to answer allegations against him, which include owning 82 dollar accounts and excluding some assets from his statement of assets and liabilities and net worth (SALN).
Aside from the farmers, those who attended the Thanksgiving Mass, which was officiated by Fr, Dave Clay, were members of the Confederation of Government Employees of the Philippines, Philippine Trial Judges Association, and various other court organizations.
The Chief Justice led the consecration prayers.
“I give myself and my family to You and I solemnly consecrate myself and my family to You now and forever,” the Chief Justice intoned in his consecration prayer.
Defense counsels Dennis Manalo, Judd Roy, Ramon Esguerra and German Lichaoco also attended the Thanksgiving Mass as well as high court Associate Justices Teresita Leonardo de Castro and Jose Perez.
The Chief Justice’s son Francis, when asked what his message was for his father, said, “This storm will end soon and the truth shall prevail. You shall be vindicated, Dad.”