DOJ forms panel to handle Corona tax evasion case

The Department of Justice has formed a three-member panel to conduct preliminary investigation against former Chief Justice Renato Corona for tax evasion.

Prosecutor General Claro Arellano designated Senior Assistant Prosecutor Rosanne Balauag, as chair and prosecution attorneys Mark Roland Estepa and Jaywee Laurence Bandong as members of the panel.

Justice Secretary Leila de Lima said the panel was expected to come up with a resolution in 60 days.

The Bureau of Internal Revenue earlier filed P150.68-million tax-evasion complaint against Corona, his daughter Ma. Carla Beatriz C. Castillo and son-in-law Constantino Castillo III.

BIR investigation showed that Corona had an income-tax deficiency of P120.5 million. Carla’s tax deficiency was calculated at P9.93 million while her husband’s was P20.25 million.