Coronas’ purchase of Makati condo in 2003 declared in 2010 SALN—witness

MANILA, Philippines – The prosecution team presented on Wednesday a witness who testified that Chief Justice Renato Corona and wife, Cristina, bought a condominium unit in Makati worth P3.5 million in 2003, which was declared in his statement of assets, liabilities and net worth (SALN) in 2010.

Nerissa Josef, assistant vice president of Ayala Land, testified before the Senate sitting as an impeachment court that the Corona couple bought a 48-square-meter condominium unit in the Columns in Makati City for P3, 588,931 in 2003.

Josef said the Coronas started paying in installments in 2003 but the unit was only fully paid in 2004.

In June, 2008, the unit was “deemed” accepted by the buyers.

Senator Franklin Drilon, who sits as judge in the trial, stood up and asked the prosecution whether the property was declared in any of Corona’s SALN.

Because the only Makati condo listed in Corona’s SALN was in 2010 and Drilon noted that the current fair market of the property was only P1,210,000.

“Alin bang condo [Which condo]?” asked Drilon.

Prosecutor Winston Ginez, who examined the witness, pointed to the third entry of Corona’s 2010 SALN, which is the P1.2-million Makati condo.

The witness’ testimony was part of Article 2 of the complaint pertaining to Corona’s alleged failure to disclose his SALN.

Josef was the last witness presented by the prosecution team before the Senate adjourned the proceeding.