Former Chief Justice Renato Corona. AP FILE PHOTO
Tributes started pouring in for the late Supreme Court Chief Justice Renato Corona, who passed away on Friday after succumbing to cardiac arrest.
READ: Former Chief Justice Corona passes away
Malacañang issued a statement relaying its condolences to the Corona family.
“We extend our condolences to the bereaved family of the late CJ Renato Corona and join them in fervent prayers for his eternal repose,” Communications Secretary Herminio Coloma Jr. said.
The spokesperson of Vice President Jejomar Binay Atty. Rico Quicho extolled Corona for fighting a good fight to uphold the independence of the Supreme Court.
“I am deeply saddened by the passing of CJ Renato Corona. He is a good man, loving husband, and father. CJ Corona fought a good fight to uphold the independence of the institution he dearly loved. His moral courage is second to none,” Quicho said.
Quicho, a member of Corona’s defense team, thanked the late chief magistrate for trusting him to be one of the lawyers to handle his impeachment case.
READ: What Went Before: Charges against former Chief Justice Corona
“I thank him for the trust that he gave me during his challenging times. I will continue to fight for the rule of law and judicial independence,” he added.
Corona was appointed by former President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo as the 23rd Chief Justice. He served from May 17, 2010 to May 29, 2012.
He attended Ateneo de Manila for his grade school, high school, college and law school education. He also attended Harvard Law School for his Masters of Law and was conferred a Doctor in Civil Law degree from University of Santo Tomas.
He was 67 years old. CDG/rga