The Philippine Online Chronicles

One need not belabor in order to understand the whole import of the allegations in Article 2 of the impeachment complaint against Chief Justice Renato Corona. Contrary to the claim of the defense panel, the contents of Art. 2 are intimately related to each other and supportive of its title. Instead of resorting to technicalities, Corona’s counsels are duty -bound to embrace the doctrine of liberality especially considering that the impeachment case is so uniquely situated and must not therefore be treated like an ordinary litigation where the rules and procedures of the courts are adhered to.

It has to be admitted that Article 2 is, in the ultimate analysis about betrayal of public trust. So far, the prosecution panel has succeeded in bringing to public knowledge the following: Statements of Assets, liabilities and net worth (SALN) of the Chief Justice, and documents purporting to show ownership by the respondent Chief Justice, his wife and immediate family members

The SALN reflects Mr. Corona’s admitted assets and liabilities. At the same time, it will also indicate whether the person, who submitted it under oath has taken steps to disclose its contents as mandated by law.

For this alone one can already be held indictable for failure to disclose its contents. Previous justices of the Supreme Court have been benefiting from a self-proclaimed exemption from the requirements to disclose the contents of the SALN. It may be unfortunate for Corona that the present administration appears very much decided in imposing full compliance by government officers concerned of these legal requirements.

He is however, morally bound to help spearhead the movement for a clean and honest government. While the Chief Justice may seek refuge from the exemption, it would have been nobler of him to disclose by way of leadership by example his SALNs. No wonder then that there is that strong suspicion of his having amassed ill-gotten wealth. This must be the reason why the House of Representatives alleged in the Articles of Impeachment that the respondent CJ was reported and /or suspected of having acquired ill-gotten wealth.

So, if the prosecution sought the presentation of varied titles for properties located in the cities of Taguig, Marikina, Quezon City and others, the final objective is very obvious. Through these documents, it will be determined whether Mr. Corona has disclosed such assets in his SALNs. Once they are not, then without doubt, the properties undeclared in such documents are presumed to be ill-gotten or have been acquired through corruption.

The defense panel led by former justice Serafin Cuevas, while deserving commendation for court generalship cannot gain public support by resorting to technicalities and on this regard, will in effect disregard a long observed doctrine that in the higher interest of justice, we should not sacrifice truth at the altar of technicality while consciously ignore the doctrine of liberality.

It will be of great help for all parties concerned to realize that our nation has embarked into what may appear as a rather already late campaign for moral regeneration. Chief Justice Corona could possibly be a sacrificial lamb in this drive. But it is long overdue. Who knows, others of similar persuasion will entertain second thoughts in adopting the same techniques.

During the start of the term of the late President Corazon C. Aquino, an attempt was made to rid the government of grafters. The campaign initially succeeded but got waylaid somewhere along the way and the corrupt came back with vengeance and became more corrupt that signaled the rapid spread of government venalities.

Now, Cory’s son, President Benigno Simeon C. Aquino, III, is making a fresh attempt for morality in public service He deserves to be supported strongly. Otherwise, there may no longer be a way out except a bloody confrontation.

Photo from Philippine Senate. Some rights reserved.