Palace mourns death of 'eminent' Cuevas despite representing Corona

MANILA, Philippines - Malacañang extended its condolences to the family of retired Supreme Court (SC) Associate Justice Serafin Cuevas who passed away on Sunday night.

At a televised press briefing on Monday afternoon, Presidential Spokesperson Edwin Lacieda said Cuevas was an "eminent jurist and well-respected member of the legal community as well as the academic community."

"While he has represented the interest averse to the government's, we have always shown our respect with each other. We truly mourn the passing of Justice Serafin Cuevas," Lacierda said.

The Palace official said President Aquino's visit to Cuevas' wake has yet to be discussed.

Cuevas died on Sunday night at the age of 85.

The prominent lawyer served from June 1, 1984 to April 16, 1986 as the high court's 106th Associate Justice appointed by the late Pres. Ferdinand Marcos.

Cuevas was also the lead counsel of former SC Chief Justice Renato Corona in his impeachment trial in 2012.

President Aquino allegedly had a hand in the ouster of Corona.

In a privilege speech last month, Sen. Ramon Revilla Jr. claimed that he was personally asked by the President in one meeting to vote for the conviction of Corona.

He alleged that Aquino told him over breakfast: "Pare, parang awa mo na. Ibalato mo na sa akin ito. Kailangan niya [Corona] ma-impeach."

Malacañang has since denied that the President made such statement.

Read: Ex-SC Justice, Corona lawyer Serafin Cuevas passes away