Moot and academic: SC dismisses PSBank petition on Corona dollar accounts

INQUIRER FILE PHOTO

MANILA, Philippines—Saying it has become moot and academic, the Supreme Court on Wednesday dismissed the petition filed by the Philippine Savings Bank (PSBank) that sought to annul the order of the Senate sitting as impeachment court to produce the documents regarding the dollar accounts of former Chief Justice Renato Corona.

In a five-page resolution, the high court en banc, through Associate Justice Estela Perlas-Bernabe, said there was no more reason for them to resolve the case.

Corona was removed from his position on May 29, 2012, after the impeachment court found him guilty of betrayal of public trust.

“It is well-settled that courts will not determine questions that have become moot and academic because there is no longer any justiciable controversy to speak of,” the high court said.

“The judgment will not serve any useful purpose or have any practical legal effect because, in the nature of things, it cannot be enforced,” the high court added.

The PSBank went to the Supreme Court after the Senate impeachment court issued a resolution ordering them to produce bank documents in connection with Corona’s foreign currency deposits.

PS Bank is apprehensive that they might be sanctioned by the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas if they will comply with the Senate impeachment court’s order.

Voting unanimously, the high court said the bank no longer faces such a dilemma.

“The judgment will not serve any useful purpose or have any practical legal effect because, in the nature of things, it cannot be enforced,” it said.

At the same time, the court lifted the temporary restraining order (TRO) it issued last February 9 that stopped the Senate from gaining access to Corona’s bank accounts.