'Palace officials not covered by impeachment gag order'

MANILA, Philippines - Malacañang clarified yesterday it was not covered by the gag order issued by the Senate against the members of the House of Representatives in connection with the impending impeachment trial of Chief Justice Renato Corona.

Deputy presidential spokesperson Abigail Valte said the Palace was not coming out with evidence and that they would answer issues concerning Corona depending on the questions.

“We are not on hold of any (evidence). I think the gag rule essentially was directed to the defense and to the prosecution because of what happened last week (when the prosecution) came out with bits and pieces of the evidence that are already in their possession,” Valte said over radio dzRB.

Valte added they were not aware of the details of the supposed statements of assets, liabilities and net worth of Corona in 1992 and 2002.

She refused to make an assessment as to whether a government official could afford luxurious condominium units like what Corona had purchased.

She said this was the reason why it was important for public authorities to disclose their SALNs.

“Chief Justice Corona said...he was submitting his SALN and maybe the best evidence to convince the public that you are doing that is to show us the SALN. It’s as simple as that,” Valte said.

Valte also said lawmakers were also required to submit their SALNs amid allegations that some of the members of the prosecution team also owned expensive properties.