Corona fate depends on ombudsman’s office, says Palace aide

Ombudsman Conchita Carpio-Morales and Chief Justice Renato Corona. INQUIRER FILE PHOTO

MANILA, Philippines—The fate of former Chief Justice Renato Corona is now in the hands of Ombudsman Conchita Carpio Morales, Malacañang said on Thursday.

Abigail Valte, a spokesperson for President Aquino, said as much when asked if the administration would initiate criminal and forfeiture proceedings against the impeached former chief justice, who was removed by the Senate from office after finding him guilty of culpable violation of the Constitution and betrayal of public trust.

“There is already a pending complaint before the Ombudsman,” Valte said in a text message to the Inquirer. “It is up to her office to determine if there is prima facie evidence against Mr. Corona.”

It was the complaint filed by anti-corruption advocate Harvey Keh, former Akbayan Rep. Risa Hontiveros-Baraquel and a number of other persons that led Morales to start a probe into Corona’s bank deposits.

Corona admitted at his impeachment trial by the Senate that he had at least P80 million and $2.4 million in bank deposits which he did not  declare in his statements of assets, liabilities and net worth.

The Senate convicted him on Tuesday of culpable violation of the Constitution and betrayal of public trust for not reporting the bulk of his assets in the statements of net worth.