The Senate, sitting as an impeachment court, has convicted Supreme Court Chief Justice Renato Corona as guilty for failing to fully disclose his wealth in his statement of assets, liabilities and net worth.
Twenty senators found Corona guilty. They were Edgardo Angara, Alan Peter Cayetano, Pia Cayetano, Franklin Drilon, Francis Escudero, Jinggoy Estrada, Teofisto Guingona III, Gregorio Honasan II, Panfilo Lacson, Lito Lapid, Loren Legarda, Sergio Osmena III, Francis Pangilinan, Aquilino Pimentel III, Ralph Recto, Ramon Revilla Jr., Vicente Sotto III, Antonio Trillanes IV and Senate President Juan Ponce Enrile.
The court only needs two-thirds or 16 votes to convict Corona. Those who voted to acquit Corona were Joker Arroyo, Miriam Defensor-Santiago and Ferdinand Marcos Jr.
This the first time in Philippine history that a Senate, sitting as an impeachment court, tried and convicted a sitting Chief Justice.
Meanwhile, Malacanang said because of the decision, “our democratic institutions have been strengthened and have been proven to work.”
“Mr. Corona is merely the public face of the things that ail our justice system.” Deputy Palace spokesperson Abigail Valte said.
“Let us never forget that those who come to court, be they rich or poor, must do so in the expectation of receiving impartial justice from those who uphold both the spirit and the letter of the law,” she said.
She added: “The verdict of the senate is a step forward in terms of restoring public confidence in our courts, and trust in the members of the judiciary.”
