Constitution & RA 6713 vs RA 6426

Tomorrow, the Filipino people will see the senators one by one as they vote for the “Articles of Impeachment” against Supreme Court Chief Justice Renato C. Corona. Among the articles, it is very evident that it is in Article 2 that might convict the respondent.

In my opinion, it is not the Constitution and RA 6713 versus RA 6426. There’s full confidentiality given to a depositor under RA 6426 BUT a public servant MUST declare ALL his/her assets, liabilities and net worth as stated in the Constitution and SALN disclosure.

Presiding Officer and Senate President Juan Ponce Enrile had an interesting point asking the opinion of Lead Counsel Justice Serafin Cuevas on what injury will the respondent incur in declaring his dollar accounts. In my opinion, NONE. The chief justice should have disclosed his dollar accounts in his SALN whether as is or converted amount. In Accounting, you cannot consider the declaration made by the chief justice complete because something is missing.

It could have been better if the chief justice declare his dollar accounts and invoke RA 6426. Even his peso accounts leave confusion among viewers the truthfulness of his claims that it’s a family account. Both peso and dollar accounts were not substantiated with evidence by the defense panel during their presentation of evidence which might twist the minds of many.

For me, G U I L T Y !!! The chief justice himself said that he ventured his money in dollars. I think on that part, the more he needs to disclose it because he violates SALN disclosure. The amount involved is very substantial.

 

CJ Renato Corona appears on Tuesday

And finally the good news is confirmed, Supreme Court Chief Justice Renato Corona will testify on Tuesday, May 22 in the Impeachment Court. Presiding Officer Senate President Juan Ponce Enrile wanted him to appear on Monday but lead defense counsel Justice Serafin Cuevas requested Tuesday and the first approved the request.

I did monitor most of the hearings of the Impeachment Court and I am excited to see what will happen on Tuesday. Why? I want the Chief Justice himself answers directly all the allegations. I am so excited also to hear from him about his Peso accounts and the Dollar accounts divulged by Ombudswoman Conchita Carpio-Morales.

If there’s a need for additional evidences, for me I think the bank managers where CJ Corona kept the alleged dollar accounts must be presented and show the documents they submitted to AMLC.

There are so many things to say on this issue but I guess we all better watch the hearing on Tuesday and let we hear it straight from Chief Justice Renato Corona on what he can says on all the allegations against him and the evidences presented. The public need to know the TRUTH and NOTHING BUT THE TRUTH Mr. Chief Justice.

Corona to testify on Tuesday 
AMLC report fabricated: CJ defense
Give CJ a chance to explain: defense 
CJ defense caught flatfooted by AMLC document
Corona testimony is 'make or break,' defense lawyer says
CJ defense: Where did Ombudsman get $10M figure? 
Ombudsman: CJ withdrew $770K after impeachment 
CJ: Ombudsman’s figures 'malicious, a hoax'

 

Updates: Will AJ Sereno appear or not?

At times, public officials being trialed are faced between laws versus morality. Being a public servant is a noble profession because you vowed to serve the people even at a not so attractive remuneration. Temptations are left and right, up and down (should I say 360 degrees).

In the case of Supreme Court Chief Justice Renato Corona’s Impeachment Trial, though I could say I heard most of the trials over the radio to be updated, I am still confused on how the evidences need to be treated:

BANK STATEMENTS – The Impeachment Court was presented by a xerox copy of CJ Corona’s peso and dollar accounts. Although the SC issued a TRO in favor of PS Bank not to allow the opening of information pertaining to the dollar accounts, the court discussed the remaining peso accounts. I am confused on the fact that it was a xerox copy handed down to the prosecution team but claimed to be illegally supplied by unknown individual/s, will it be part of the evidence since PS Bank claimed the accounts were once existed? Will it serve as an evidence for the defense to prove the legality of the source/s of the funds notwithstanding the questions of legality on how such evidence was gathered?

DISSENTING OPINION OF ASSOCIATE JUSTICE SERENO – I heard about part of the content of AJ Sereno’s dissenting opinion when DOJ Secretary de Lima testified. Apart of being an appointee of President Aquino and to preserve the equality of the three branches, I would hope and pray that AJ Sereno will present herself to shed light about her dissenting opinion and not to consider such as hearsay. For love to the Filipino people and the country, and to show the world that in the name of justice the three branches can act together to let the truth prevail and justice will be served, I hope AJ Sereno will present herself.

May we all continue to listen or watch the ongoing Impeachment Trial not just to educate ourselves, not just seeing ourselves as a Filipino, but moreover a trial to see that each and every one of us is equal under the law.

Sereno: Judicial privilege is not absolute
Corona's lawyers oppose Sereno testimony
Defense unperturbed at possible Sereno testimony
INTERACTIVE: Carpio, Sereno want Corona's dollar accounts revealed
Enrile mulls over proposed Sereno questionnaire
Prosecution 'concerned' for Sereno
Senator-judges to discuss proposed Sereno testimony

Updates: Stop Impeachment Trial, Archbishop Arguelles

I respect the opinion of Lipa Archbishop Ramon Arguelles urging to stop the impeachment trial of SC CJ Renato Corona claiming it’s nowhere to go, boring and grandstanding of senator-judges. The archbishop also believes that the chief justice should be tried in a regular court. On the other hand, impeachment for some high positions in the government is the sole authority given to the Senate to act as Impeachment Court.

I once saw SC CJ Corona in a TV Patrol report raising his head and hands up in the sky thanking the Good Lord for something. But I hope when he put down his head and hands will come to ask himself if he can bears what’s happening in the country because of his trial. I also once saw his speech in the Supreme Court denying categorically that not all the properties alleged by the prosecutors to be his. I expect so much that he and his legal counsels will be more liberal than the prosecution team because he can prove without an iota of doubt his innocence.

But what is happening in the Impeachment Trial is completely the opposite. His legal counsels are so defensive of his legal rights and using every word of law to protect him. I may not be a lawyer but as a person I would rather waive all my legal rights not only to expedite the proceedings but to prove my innocence the soonest possible time and give this country not only peace but the truth.

I can’t bear personally how hard it was for these bank officials to be involved harshly in this proceeding. But you CJ Corona can do a big favor to them by giving your consent to divulge your accounts with them. The Filipino people need answers than questions. Give not only yourself but the Filipino people a speedy trial. You claimed it as an attack to the judiciary branch. Well then the more you need to make personal sacrifices for the truth to come out now, not later.

At times I tend to appreciate the greatness of former Justice Cuevas in the trial, as how he knows the law well. But I hope sir that even this trial goes a long way you use your knowledge on the side of the truth and to serve justice.

Palace: PNoy not calling for People Power vs Corona
Corona may sue prosecutors over bank records
Closure of Corona bank accounts suspicious - Palace
Senate subpoenas Mrs. Corona's accounts
House leaders confident of evidence vs Corona