Prosecution: Corona’s removal a ‘major victory’ of the people

MANILA, Philippines — The Senate impeachment court’s guilty verdict on Chief Justice Renato Corona and the subsequent punishment of removal from office for his failure to declare his true worth of assets was a “major victory” of the people, accountability, transparency and the rule of law, according to prosecutors from the House of Representatives.

Prosecution panel members Quezon Rep. Lorenzo Tañada III, Marikina Representative Miro Quimbo and Aurora Rep. Juan Edgardo Angara. FILE PHOTO

Aurora Rep. Juan Edgardo Angara and Quezon Rep. Lorenzo Tañada III, prosecution team’s spokespersons, both said that the 20-3 vote and the penalty of removal from office heralded “a new beginning” for the judiciary whose image has been tarnished” in the course of the chief justice’s impeachment, and provided a big boost to President Aquino’s campaign to cleanse the bureaucracy of graft and corruption.

“This is the start of putting our republic back in order for we did not convict a man but rather we saved our institutions from grievous harm of corruption and betrayal of public trust,” Tañada said. “We showed our determination towards transparency and good governance with this verdict.”

It was the first time that a chief justice was impeached, found guilty and removed from office for betrayal of public trust and culpable violation of the Constitution.

Corona, the 23rd chief justice, admitted in open court that he did not declare his $2.4 million and some P80 million in “co-mingled” funds in several banks, in his Statement of Assets, Liabilities and Net Worth (SALN).

Tañada said both chambers of Congress had made history by showing to the people and the world that the country has become politically mature and ready to forge ahead in its fight for transparency and accountability in the democratic processes.

Angara said the Corona conviction would give a fresh start to the government’s efforts to strengthen its institutions and restore the people’s faith in the Supreme Court.

He also expressed the hope that Corona’s conviction would pave the way for the restoration of the people’s faith in the judiciary, particularly the Supreme Court.

“We are hopeful that this historic decision of the Senate impeachment court will help restore the people’s faith in the judiciary and in government,” Angara said.

“We hope it is not just a change of personnel but a change in mindset and a change in the way things are done in government,” he added.