CEBU, Philippines - The Senate impeachment court's guilty verdict against Chief Justice Renato Corona was a "triumph of justice."
This is how Regional Trial Court Judge Mienrado Paredes described the conviction of Corona for culpable violation of the Constitution and Betrayal of Public Trust because of his failure to disclose in his Statement of Assets Liabilities and Net Worth his $2.4 million deposits and P80 million commingled funds.
Paredes said the result of the impeachment trial has tested the system of checks and balance in the country.
Lawyer Earl Bonachita, president of the Integrated Bar of the Philippines Cebu City Chapter, said the decision has sent a "strong message" that the country's institutions are working.
Paredes, however, said this has no "chilling effect" to the judiciary.
"The principle of check and balance is working in this country," he said.
Former IBP-Cebu City president Michael Yu said the decision has also put across the message to all government officials that the administration of President Benigno Aquino III is serious in its campaign against corruption.
"As a nation we have realized today that we are sensitive to public accountability and this is a good step forward to a new chapter of our country as we realize that our people want a better Philippines for themselves and their children," he said.
For lawyer Joan Largo, the decision highlighted the need for the members of the judiciary to "live a life of proven competence and probity."
"This sends a message to the world that we are a nation that values integrity and decency and that we do not countenance abuse of power," she said.
Lawyer Ian Manticajon said the Philippines has proven that even the highest magistrate can be held accountable to the same high standards imposed on judges and other public officials.
Lawyer Aristotle Batuhan, one of the volunteer lawyers for the prosecution, hopes that the conviction of Corona will usher in genuine accountability and a new standard by which public officials will be measured.
Like the rest of the citizens in this country, Batohan urged the Aquino administration to start focusing the urgent task of jumpstarting our economy and improving the lives of the citizens.-(FREEMAN)