‘The Firm’ denies hatchet job vs Corona

MANILA, Philippines—The Villaraza, Cruz, Marcelo, & Angangco (CVCLaw) on Thursday denied allegations that they are behind the hatchet job against Chief Justice Renato Corona.

Corona, in one of his interviews mentioned the CVCLaw or publicly known as The Firm as the group pushing for his impeachment in order for its former partner, now Senior Associate Justice Antonio Carpio be appointed Chief Justice.

“We deny in no uncertain terms the baseless allegations of Chief Justice Corona. These accusations and conspiracy theories are absolutely false and divert public attention away from the issues in his trial,” managing partner and chief operating officer Bienvenido Somera Jr. said in a statement sent to INQUIRER.net on Thursday.

He maintained that their firm did not participate in the impeachment trial despite requests for assistance.

“Events have borne this statement to be true as we have declined any requests for assistance in the trial. None of our lawyers have appeared as counsel for either side.”

“Justice Carpio has long severed ties with our Firm. He has been an Associate Justice of the Supreme Court since 2001 and no longer has any interest in our Firm. His sterling record in public service honors the institution he represents and serves as an inspiration to us as well as others in our profession,” he said adding that in case Corona is impeached, they will respect the sole prerogative of President Benigno C. Aquino III to appoint his replacement.

For now, they said “we wish Chief Justice Corona well as he prepares for his defense.”