Sandiganbayan issues freeze order on Corona’s assets

By: Tetch Torres-Tupas - 11 years ago

Former Chief Justice Renato Corona. FILE PHOTO/SENATE POOL

MANILA, Philippines – The Sandiganbayan Second Division on Thursday issued a freeze order against the assets of former Chief Justice Renato Corona and his wife Cristina.

In a two-page writ of preliminary attachment, the anti-graft court ordered second division sheriff Alexander Valencia to attach the estate, real and personal properties of Corona that should amount to P130,587,012.75.

The anti-graft court gave the sheriff 30 days to submit a complete inventory of the attached properties.

The Sandiganbayan issued the writ of preliminary attachment as prayed for by the Office of the Ombudsman saying “adequate basis exist” which satisfies the requirements set forth under the law.

The anti-graft court further said that the writ of attachment would be implemented unless Corona “shall make a cash deposit or file a counter-bond sufficient to satisfy petitioner’s demand or equal to the value of the property to be attached.”

Ombudsman Conchita Carpio-Morales filed a forfeiture case against Corona after investigation showed that he has an unexplained wealth of over P130 million.

The amount, according to Morales, is still a conservative amount as it did not include their cost of living expenses and cost of travel abroad.

Aside from forfeiture, the Ombudsman also charged Corona with eight counts of perjury and eight counts of violation of Republic Act 6713 or the Code of Conduct and Ethical Standards for Public Officials and Employees.