Sen. Guingona admits inviting Corona to home

Senator Teofisto Guingona III, INQUIRER file photo

MANILA, Philippines — Senator Teofisto Guingona III admitted inviting over Chief Justice Renato Corona to his house in 2011 but denied that he discussed a possible term-sharing between Corona and another Supreme Court justice.

“That was last year pa and long time before the impeachment. It was a social lunch. Hi, hello, nothing of the sort…” he said of Corona’s claim that Guingona wanted him to retire early so Supreme Court Associate Justice Antonio Carpio could take over.

Guingona categorically denied Corona’s allegation.

“That’s totally untrue. It’s very unfortunate that he [Corona] said that and I’d like to say it’s untrue,” said the senator.

Guingona said he invited Corona to his house because the chief justice was his professor at the Ateneo Law School.

The senator said his father, former Vice President Teofisto Guingona Jr., was also present in the meeting because he said the older Guingona and Corona knew each other as they both worked in Malacanang during the time of former President Fidel Ramos.

Asked if he usually invited a professor for a meeting in his house , Guingona said, “No.”

“That’s the first and only,” said the senator.

Asked then if Corona was making up stories, Guingona repeated his statements,”Untrue. I mean how else will I say it? It’s not true.”

“How do I feel? It’ s unfortunate but for me that is a side issue. I’d rather focus on the merits off the case and continue with the impeachment trial.”

“Of course, I’m bothered. Those are untrue statements. Those are not true. Definitely, I’m bothered,” the senator added.