MANILA, Philippines -- Chief Justice Renato Corona's defense lawyer said that the ill-gotten wealth filed against his client is a preparation for another impeachment case if the current one fails to convict the chief magistrate.
“The detractors of the Chief Justice are already laying the groundwork for another impeachment complaint. This is where the investigation by the Ombudsman is headed,” lawyer Ramon Esguerra said on Sunday in reaction to news reports that the Office of the Ombudsman is set to file a forfeiture case against Corona.
“As stated, the route of the investigation is another impeachment in the future based on alleged ill-gotten wealth that has been barred in the current one,” he said
Esguerra said that Corona has expected this kind of retaliation from the administration because the chief magistrate did not inhibit himself from the decision made on the motion for reconsideration filed on the Hacienda Luisita case.
“We have somehow expected it. The complaints were filed more that a month ago. The decision on the MR on Luisita came out last Tuesday, and trial resumes a week from now,” Esguerra told newsmen.
He said that “as stated, the route of the investigation on the alleged ill-gotten wealth against Corona is another impeachment in the future since the current one is marred with legal loopholes and lack of concrete evidence and testimonies that will merit conviction.”
“What is telling is that the complaints made no mention of $10 million but appear to be merely a mirror of accusations in the current impeachment,” he added.
“If i relate it to the law, RA 6770 and the Constitution, the detractors of CJ are already laying the groundwork for another impeachment complaint. It cannot be for alleged unexplained wealth for forfeiture under RA 1379. CJ is still holding his position and any legal action under this law will have to await the verdict in the current impeachment complaint."
source: interaksyon.com
