House minority: Ombudsman probe into Corona $10M a ‘set-up’

House Minority Leader Danilo Suarez. INQUIRER FILE PHOTO

MANILA, Philippines — Members of the House of Representatives’ minority bloc on Wednesday criticized Ombudsman Conchita Carpio-Morales’ investigation into the alleged $10 million deposit of embattled Chief Justice Renato Corona.

Minority leader and Quezon Representative Danilo Suarez, along with Isabela Representative Rodolfo Albano, Zambales Representative Ma. Milagros Magsaysay and Siquijor Representative Orlando Fua, told reporters that their enthusiasm over the resumption of their duties this week was dampened by Morales’ investigation into Corona’s alleged $10 million deposits.

“We see no rhyme of reason behind these new charges, except perhaps to lay the basis for filing yet another impeachment case next year, in case the administration loses this battle,” said Suarez.

He said that the proceedings would be “interesting” after defense counsel Jose Roy III revealed that Corona would testify in the impeachment trial.

The chief magistrate’s appearance before the Senate, sitting as an impeachment court, “will clear the issue once and for all” and could expedite the proceedings, he added.

Despite their stand on the $10 million allegation, Magsaysay said that they would “at least have closure, move on and tackle important issues” once the trial ends.

“He has to make the people who accused him appear in court. Lahat on record and he can also answer on record. Anyone can speak and malign everybody. Kung may laman man o wala ang charges, mas mabuti na magkaalaman na [If there’s some truth to the charges or not, then it’s better to know about it].”