Corona posts bail for perjury

MANILA, Philippines - Ousted chief justice Renato Corona posted bail of P160,000 yesterday for the criminal cases of perjury and violation of Republic Act 6713, the Code of Conduct and Ethical Standards for Public Officials, that he is facing before the Sandiganbayan.

His arraignment and pre-trial or preliminary conference are yet to be set.

Corona, accompanied by his wife Cristina, had his fingerprints taken, and he submitted 2x2 photographs facing front, left and right. He signed at the back of the photographs.

He also signed a personal data sheet (PDS) and a waiver of appearance signifying that he will not appear in court during trial as his lawyers will represent him.

Arriving at around 4:15 p.m., Corona and Cristina did not speak to media as they quickly left after going through bail procedures.

Two Sandiganbayan divisions are handling the criminal and civil cases against the Corona couple.

The civil case for forfeiture of unexplained wealth amounting to P130.3 million went to the anti-graft court’s Second Division.

The perjury and violation of RA 6713 cases went to the Third Division.

Associate Justice Teresita Diaz-Baldos chairs the Second Division with Associate Justices Napoleon Inoturan and Oscar Herrera Jr. as members.

Sandiganbayan presiding Justice Amparo Cabotaje-Tan chairs the Third Division with Associate Justice Samuel Martires and Alex Quiroz as members.

Corona and his wife are facing forfeiture charges for alleged unexplained assets accumulated from 2001 to 2011, which were not declared in their statements of assets, liabilities and net worth (SALNs).

In the perjury and violation of RA 6713, Corona is accused of lying under oath for not declaring his and his wife’s wealth.

Last week, Ombudsman Conchita Carpio-Morales ordered the filing of criminal and civil charges against the Coronas after denying their motions for reconsideration for a reversal of the findings of graft investigators.

Corona arraignment deferred

Corona’s arraignment on seven of 12 counts of tax evasion cases was deferred yesterday.

The Court of Tax Appeals (CTA) second division granted Corona’s motion to suspend his arraignment in view of his petition for review before the Department of Justice (DOJ).

His arraignment was reset to June 4.

Appearing in court with his wife, Corona refused to answer questions from reporters as he left the court following the hearing.

During the hearing, the CTA second division denied Corona’s motion to reconsider its March 19 resolution finding probable cause to proceed with the case against him.

Corona had filed a motion for judicial determination of probable cause on all 12 counts of tax evasion raffled to three CTA divisions.

The first and third divisions handling the cases gave prosecutors time to comment on the matter. The second division merely noted the motion “as the Court is obligated to determine probable cause for the issuance of a warrant of arrest.”

In a ruling dated March 19, the CTA second division found probable cause to issue arrest warrants against Corona following an evaluation of the information and documents that prosecutors have submitted.

No arrest warrant was issued against Corona as they posted a bail of P10,000 for each of the 12 counts of tax evasion a day after the DOJ filed the case before the CTA on March 3. – With Janvic Mateo