My exclusive
By Raïssa Robles
Early this year before the impeachment trial began, intermediaries of Chief Justice Renato Corona reportedly told the presidential palace that Corona would be willing to step down provided two conditions were met.
First, he would stay on as Associate Justice of the Supreme Court. And second, he would get to name his successor.
One of the sources I talked to said it seemed there was a third unstated condition – that Corona would not be punished. “The bottom-line is, he would be off the hook. Whether that meant acquittal or stopping the trial was not clear to me,” the source added.
I confirmed Corona’s offer separately from two highly reliable and knowledgeable sources who do not know each other. I am not at liberty to say who they are. However, I can say that one of the sources is not in government.
I first learned of this alleged offer last week before Corona had conducted his blitz interviews with five radio stations and three TV networks. This was also before Corona disclosed the reported offer to him of a term-sharing agreement with Associate Justice Antonio Carpio.
But I decided not to run what I found out until I could get an independent confirmation from another source.
I finally got this confirmation today.
Both sources saw the offer from Corona as credible.
Presidential Palace officials discussed the offer
In fact, one of them said that officials in the presidential palace actually met early this January 2012 – before the trial started – and discussed the reported offer. And “without knowing 100% for sure if it was true or not, it was rejected,” the source said.
The offer was rejected, both sources said; one of them adding because it was “unreasonable”.
One of them explained that “if he (Corona) would be allowed to choose his successor, it would pretty much negate the whole point” of trying to reform the judiciary and making former President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo accountable through the courts. The source explained that if Corona was allowed to choose his successor it was likely he would choose someone “who would also protect Arroyo.”
Asked what it meant for Corona to “be off the hook”, one of the sources said it was unclear what exactly that meant. However, those who discussed the offer had assumed that it meant Corona would not be convicted by an impeachment trial.
That such negotiations could have been going on behind the scenes, away from public view, is quite understandable among political power players.
Shortly after being impeached last December 12, Corona himself told his supporters:
Hindi ko po maintindihan kung bakit nanggigigil ng husto sa akin ang mahal nating pangulo, magmula pa po sa kanyang pagkaluklok sa pwesto.
Despite this, Corona said he had personally reached out to President Benigno Aquino III and offered his help and cooperation:
Tuwing kami’y nagkikita, lubos kong pinararamdam na kami’y dapat mag-ugnayan, magsama at magtulungan para sa bayan.Marami po tayong problema. Nandiyan po ang mabagal na takbo ng ekonomiya, kawalan ng trabaho, kahirapan at kagutuman. Mukhang hindi po niya naintindihan.
I tried repeatedly to get Corona’s side yesterday. His spokesman, Midas Marquez, did not answer his phone. And his lawyer, Ramon Esguerra replied with a text that he was at mass.
I could no longer reach him afterward.
It is very likely, as I write this, that there are people in both camps still trying to find a “win-win” solution to this political problem called the first ever impeachment of a sitting Chief Justice.
But the window for this is fast closing. The summer holidays are nearly upon us and soon, the public will demand a conclusion.
parengtony says
Ms. Raissa, Alan, and the netizen faithful of the Global Plaza Miranda, thank you in advance for allowing me to once again refer to today’s manilatimes.net/opinion column of former Senator Rene Saguisag.
In part, Rene S (not C) explains :
IN this national inquest into the conduct of Chief Justice (CJ) Rene Corona, we are battling for the hearts and minds of our people, a much bigger arena than the Senate. It may have come down to Rene versus Flory. No contest. A rough and ready sense of justice of the people versus fetish for form by the CJ.
Coincidentally, Isabel Ongpin, in the same opinion page, wrote a very enlightening column about “kapal mukha” behavior by Rene C (although she made no direct mention of the CJ, I think it is obvious that she is referring to Corona, GMA, and the like).
johnny lin says
Key word in SALN law on Real Property is Acquisition Value. Nobody should make a mistake on this because it an accurate number listed in SALN. It should never be omitted. The others fair market and assessed value, someone can put any number he desires.
In Assets key word is Bank Accounts. Filer knows he has passbook in peso or dollar. Written in passbook are accurate numbers. In Liabilities, key word is Debts , car, house, credit card or personal bank loans. They are also accurate written numbers
Nothing is hard to understand because the process is transfer to SALNonly the numbers written on the documents. Nobody especially a Harvard graduate like Corona could feign of inability to understand the instruction. Simple process made compex by those trying to hide ill-gotten wealth.
Corona intentionally omitted both Acquisition Costs and Bank deposits only he could know year after year.
Prosecution when asking questions must have copy of SALN form, copy of the law, a copy of deed of sale, copy of passbook, show and ask a witness: what is so hard to understand to read and transfer the same numbers to SALN, even a school child could do.
They are the simplest requirements, accurate and easy to understand.
In the others they might be complicated and where mistakes could be made because one has to think if the right numbers are placed especially in assessed and fair market values.
dtranscriber says
Also, a nice observation by a person with a pseudonym of ningcho dun s Ellen Tordesillas blog. He/she said,
sabi ni cuevas si lolo deme na ang may ari ng mga lupa na yun kc may absolute deed of sale na si lolo deme.kaya wala na sa SALN ni corona. tapos dun naman sa isang condo unit na wala rin sa SALN ni corona , hindi daw kay corona yun kasi absolute deed of sale pa lang ang hawak nya? HUH???? anu ba talaga cuevas, ang gulo mong kausap eh. ulyanin ka na ba?
Note: Oo nga naman. Nawawalan n ng consistency is Cuevas…
johnny lin says
That was also in Rappler in “5 contradictions made by Corona Defense”
At the moment, I think Cuevas and company are in cruise mode, going along with process, present what was left of their planned, discarded plans destroyed by Corona media blitz, Sister Flory and other surprises that arised during the break.
So far all witnesses presented were lame, nothing concrete proven yet, in fact they opened up more questions than answers. Their big problem is there is no more source of income to present except the BGE fund which is a double bladed weapon, that is why after Sister Flory spoke they downgraded its significance.
SC clerk Bayuga was not too helpful with the illusionary 21 million in 10 yrs. It elicited initial rejoice to their supporters but after serious calculation, it was more of a dud or else every partisan columnist on their side will be gloating about it everyday. Kaput!
Perplexing is their lack of enthusiasm to strengthen their strategy before the day of presentation. In a high profile case, gathering steam and energy from supporters by revealing the strength of your next witnesses and laying the groundworks of their testimonies is standard public relation operation. More of they are afraid to divulge rather than be enthusiastic. Quite unusual when they have the ball in their hands now.
A Simple Mind says
It is hard to be consistent if you’re not being truthful.
Thinking Out Loud says
No, that is very easy for those who have mastered the art through their long years of practice. Hindi po ba, Ginoong Cuevas? Either that, or talagang pakapalan na lang ng mukha yan.
Chrimsom Hills says
Ticket To Ride
===========
But Cuevas et al have the “ticket to ride”..ie the ticket to complicate things and trick the public.
Of course they wont consider it a trick.Asfar as they are concerned , they have proper LEGAL grounds and valid excuses ..or else ” they will have to seek recourse elsewhere ”
You may say that easy but what he will probably raise are :
TICKET TO RIDE No 1 )there were defects in the properties so although he may have the title deeds, he DID NOT TAKE Possession of these properties so how can he have them listed in the SALN ?
TICKET TO RIDE NO 2 ) He can account for every peso since there are funds that dont belong to him eg BGEI and probably some cowboy in a wheelchair may appear at the IP court soon to claim he was away in Timbutktu for the last 45 years and he asked his bosom friend ( TJ ) to maintain his funds on his behalf ..and he can even show the mail he sent by pigeon to Corona in 1965 !
So lets wait and watch
johnny lin says
Cuevas other magic words are SALN IN GOOD FAITH.
Corona never entered the acquisition values of his properties in any of the SALN.
If Corona has 5 properties and entered 4 the acquisition costs, that is inadvertent good faith mistake.
However, for 2 decades, he has not entered, not even one or two years the Acquisition costs of his real properties, that is not only BAD FAITH but MALICIOUSLY INTENDED and HABITUAL because it is presumed you are hiding ill-gotten wealth.
Cuevas own words are haunting him back. They presented the assessors to put emphasis on assessed and market values which have no bearing in the purpose of filing SALN, that is find discrepancy between Acquired Assets and declared known income. Corona Defense was trying to trick the senators if not the public, but Enrile and Lacson pointed out to Cuevas just explain the absence of entries in Acquisition costs.
The best Cuevas could answer is “we will present in due time”. if Defense has the answer it would have been their first presentation. They don’t have an answer at all because how could they find explanation for blank spaces in SALN filed annually.
“Due time”, common super words used by Corona and his lawyers. Swaah waah waah.
Very simple, Corona could not escape, he he he.
kardozoo says
point made yesterday re: SALN filing was that being ‘mala prohibita’ good faith is not a defense for such violation.
a public official therefore who fails in any manner cannot interpose a defense of good faith. a violation is a violation of the constitutional ‘duty’ for full disclosure.
enrile further stated that ‘ feigning innocence(ignorance) of a law is not an excuse. he said it in latin ‘ignorantia legis neminem excusat’.
Chrimsom Hills says
Yes..the acquisition cost ..its very haunting for TJ but again we have to wait and see what Cuevas will present in ” due time “.
I am almost certain it will be related to the possession of the properties ie he will present evidence from the management committee of the condos to prove that he had not paid the management fees for the upkeep of the condos, never took possession etc etc .
I think they established that for the Bellagio or Bonifacio … the one where the typhoon hit the unit.
Also don’t forget that there is a possibility of an anti climax…..very nominal amount in his dollar accounts ..he may have purposely set up the dollar accounts to protect himself so that he can prove that all the clamouring demonstrates the evil against him.
I cant imagine TJ would be so foolish to have $ 700K in his dollar accounts when he could easily set up dollar accounts secretly in Switzerland, HK, Singapore etc and monitor them from the comfort of his home ( online accounts )
All the same..its been a bad week for the opposition…. especially yesterday when Enrile stood his ground that ACQUISITION COST is critical as far as SALN is concerned.
Wondering if Enrile is feeling the heat in his underpants now that his former ( TRUSTED ) accountant is being charged for tax evasion…
The choice may be to convict TJ or else find himself in jail again and have Cuevas defend him.The 1st choice is the natural choice especially now that he is in the pre-departure hall and the last call announcement may be made any-time soon.
Off course there is no proof but all the same ,its a blotch on his record ,especially since its someone ,who was previously so close to him in business ..and now being charged for dishonesty.
KIM is now the playmaker ?
johnny lin says
Not being facetious, is “due time” a standard phrase taught in law school learned during mock trial? Corona, Cuevas, Salvador, Roy have expressed it lately when confronted without specific answer.
Bottom line:
What answer or how could someone frame an answer when every SALN filed lacked entries on acquisition costs. Blank spaces! Ingenuity may be a talent but. That applies to something that is present or visible. Although Defense deserves every benefit of te doubt, doubt in this case is invisible.
Mind boggling on how to be inventive on a blank space? Ignorance, being dumb or uneducated or any similar words are difficult to use as an excuse because of Corona achievement and experience background.
The best answer really by Cuevas is “I don’t have an answer”and by Corona, “I am guilty of not filling the blanks”. What else?
Kim says
” …he can even show the mail he sent by pigeon to Corona in 1965″
man, how many pigeons are there?
Rene-Ipil says
FACTS:
Miriam Roco sold her 1,700 sqm lot to Vicente in 1990 for 509,989.–php.
Cristina was the attorney-in-fact of Miriam.
Both Cristina and Vicente had residence certificate issued on July 7, 1990 in QC.
The deed of sale was signed by Vicente and Cristina after payment in manager’s check in the house of Cristina and Corona in QC on or after July 7, 1990.
Corona brought the deed of sale at SGV in Makati for notarization by Atty. Beatriz Mantoya, a colleague of Corona.
The deed of sale was notarized in Makati on July 26, 1990.
Mantoya was not a notary public for Makati.
No copy of the deed of sale was submitted to Makati RTC.
Miriam’s lot is adjacent to sister Cristina’s 1,700 sqm lot.
Vicente erected his house on the portion of Miriam’s lot adjacent to the last parcel of Cristina’s 7 lots. Vicente has been paying the real property tax for his house in his name.
The RPTax for the 7 lots of Cristina have been consistently paid in the name of Cristina since 1990 except that of 2012 now paid in the name of Vicente on March 12, 2012, one day before his testimony.
Vicente has been using Cristina’s lots for his bonzai business.
In the April 7, 2000 issue of Inquirer lifestyle section, Vicente “Nonoy” Vicente was featured in an article titled “Bonzai paradise in Marikina”.
MY THEORY:
In 2012, Cristina simulated the sale of her 7 parcels of land to Vicente also on July 26, 1990.
The deed of sale was purportedly notarized by Mantoya in Makati.
The same residence certificates were used by Cristina and Vicente.
Corona signed the deed of sale as a witness.
Corona knew that Mantoya was not a notary public for Makati.
No copy would be submitted to RTC Makati so that the date of actual execution of the simulated deed of sale cannot be verified.
The purported consideration for the sale was also 509,989.–php. But Vicente repeatedly declared that he paid Cristina 1.018M instead of 1.019M or almost 1.020M
The scam may be exposed by a questioned document expert by comparing recent specimen signatures of Cristina, Vicente and Renato to their signatures done in 1990 or thereabout and by examining the age of the paper used. Especially now that Vicente had a recent stroke which may have affected his signing act.
Rene-Ipil says
The signature of Mantoya was simulated or forged.
Rene-Ipil says
I mean in the new deed of sale
Rene-Ipil says
Correction. It is Demetrio “Nonoy” Vicente. Not Vicente “Nonoy” Vicente.
raissa says
Wow.
Galing nito.
Congrats for your connecting the dots. :)
Mafe says
At nabuko, este, nabuo ang constellation of lies. Si Sen. Lacson ang may expertise/resources tungkol sa questioned document. And if proven na simulated sale nga, ito lang, kahit ito lang ang maprove, tapos na lahat. I hope this analysis reaches the prosecution and the “sympathetic” senators.
Den Concepcion says
The Impeachment Court can also verify the following:
1. The bank that issued the Managers Check would have a record. This can be checked. Mrs Corona can also be asked to show proof that she received this amount at that time (bank deposits, investment instruments that corresponds more or less to the same amount).
2. How were the real property taxes paid since the purported sales? With the size of the lot (and therefore higher taxes), it is very possible that payments were made using checks. The receipts alone already implies that is Cristna Corona who was paying the RPT. If the checks were issued by Mrs Corona, that should settle the issue of ownership once and for all.
By committing this fraud, the Chief Justice will just reinforce his already tarnished character. Kung ang sabi ni Mirriam eh ogag ang mga prosecutors, eh mas malala pa pala ang defense panel!
rene-ipil says
The identity of bank that issued the alleged manager’s would be hard to verify unless one has the specific info. Besides the bank might not cooperate due to bank secrecy law.
But I think that the possible payment in checks by Cristina is easily verifiable with the office of the city treasurer of Marikina.
rene-ipil says
I mean manager’s check.
percy1007 says
The real property tax receipts will always be in the name of the tax declarant. whoever pays it. If Mr. Vicente has transferred the property in his name, a new tax declaration will be prepared by the assesor and tax receipts will be in his name.
If the title is not yet in his name, the buyer may request that the tax receipt be annotated that he paid the tax but still in Corona’s name.
sam says
maybe there would be also something in the said publication? maybe, we could ask for their archives. maybe Vicente just might have said something about the property.
sam says
this may or may not prove something.
I just tried to a search on “bonsai / supreme court” just to see or try to find if there were bonsai sold to the said agency. (just to connect some dots).
in the course of my search, i found out the Midas Marques is into bonsai. Could this or not have some connection to Mrs. Corona’s (i suspect bonsai tied-up with Vicente)?
http://www.vincegolangco.com/cool-videos/supreme-court-spokesperson-atty-midas-marquez-defends-sexuality-with-bonsai-trees/
http://www.sunstar.com.ph/manila/entertainment/2011/12/13/scs-marquez-anggulo-wednesday-195585
http://www.yousaytoo.com/atty-midas-marquez-opens-up-about-life-away-from-sc-podium-on-tv5s-angg/1528597
Baltazar says
@Rene,
LOL, you certainly blew a helluva dust off the picture. I’m just a little curious about the mention of RTC (?). Shouldn’t it be Registry of Deeds & BIR?
The point of partial paralysis is very valid. The left and the right hands will always have different penmanships no matter how hard a person trains, even from childhood. I can feel again the swarming of Corona pests..they are on the way. Prepare Plaza Miranda army.
percy1007 says
But wasn’t it mentioned by Mr. Vicente paid na capital gains and doc stamps? Transfer and registration fees na lang kulang kasi wala siyang pera. May record dapat payment of cap gains and doc stamps ang BIR in 1990 and copy ng CAR. If may CAR, maari nabenta nga lupa.
If wala CAR which the seller usually pays, very possible no intent to sell kasi di mai-transfer sa buyer.
Baltazar says
The doc stamps and the capital gains tax are the most important part as far as BIR is concerned. They have to be paid within a certain period ( I think around 60 days) upon consummation of sale. Otherwise, penalties will be imposed. As long as the rightful taxes were paid, the two parties can waive/wait for the transfer of title despite the CAR having been released by BIR. And there will always be CAR after every completion of BIR fees. CAR will reflect date/s of sale because it will always refer to the deed of absolute sale (and the title). BIR must be keeping copy of any given CAR.
percy1007 says
Correct. First step to secure a CAR, a result of payment of cap gains and doc stamps. That’s why when I buy properties, I make sure that I get a manager’s check payable to the BIR from the seller before giving him the full payment or deduct na cap gains from my payment. Kaliwaan with the deed of absolute sale. There are situations where nabayaran mo na at takbuhan pag-bayad ng cap gains, ma-delay ang transfer ng TCT.
In Vicente’s case, it cannot be confirmed that he has the CAR. His only hold to the property is the DoAS which was not rigthfully notarized at wala pang copy ng receipt of payment.
In all of these, if prosec can verify that there was no CAR issued by the BIR and the Makati court has no notarial record of the DoAS, surely it was a simulated sale to hide assets.
paiburong says
good invistigative theory. i though of the same except the signature. there should exhibit a discoloration of paper although i know of a notary public who showed me a stock of old blank papers for that sole purpose alone. to make a forged document look authentic
mieming says
LOWLY COURT EMPLOYEE SACKED OVER MARKET STALL NOT DECLARED IN SALN
In a 1997 en banc decision, the Supreme Court dismissed from service a court interpreter at the Regional Trial Court Branch IV in Panabo, Davao, for failing to disclose ownership of a stall in a public market in her statement of assets, liabilities and net worth (SALN).
The high court also forfeited Delsa Flores’ retirement benefits and accrued leave credits and barred her from reemployment in government, including in government-owned or -controlled corporations.
Beyond reproach
It said Flores’ failure “to disclose her business interest, which she herself admitted, is inexcusable and is a clear violation of Republic Act No. 6713 (Code of Conduct and Ethical Standards for Public Officials and Employees).”
It added: “We have repeatedly held that although every office in the government service is a public trust, no position exacts a greater demand for moral righteousness and uprightness from an individual than in the judiciary.
“Personnel in the judiciary should conduct themselves in such a manner as to be beyond reproach and suspicion, and free from any appearance of impropriety in their personal behavior, not only in the discharge of their official duties but also in their everyday life. They are strictly mandated to maintain good moral character at all times and to observe irreproachable behavior so as not to outrage public decency.”
SUPREME COURT DECISION
COURT INTERPRETER DELSA FLORES
OF REGIONAL TRIAL COURT BRANCH IV
PANABO, DAVAO
VERDICT: GUILTY
DISMISSED FROM SERVICE
FORFEITED: retirement benefits and accrued leave credits
BARRED: her from reemployment in government, including in government-owned or -controlled corporations.
SUPREME COURT CHIEF JUSTICE RENATO CORONADO CORONA
VERDICT:
Ang Mga Nag–mamarunong … nagtatanong pa kuno…. “Is non disclosure, non inclusion, etc. IMPEACHABLE OFFENSE??? What is an Impeachable offense?
Come on… Ask Delfa Flores…
YOU ACQUIT SUPREME COURT CHIEF JUSTICE RENATO CORONADO CORONA…
THEN….WHAT HAPPENS TO “DELSA FLORES JURISPRUDENCE” ?
To all the parrots and legalists in the Impeachment Court and media commentators who kept on talking about due process and equal protection clause… Simple question for you…:
WHO IS DELSA FLORES? WHO IS RENATO C. CORONA?
APPLY THE CONSTITUTION, CONVICT THE POOR AND RICH ALIKE… THAT IS THE TRUE JUDICIAL INDEPENDENCE…
OTHERWISE…. YOU ARE OUT OF ORDER AND OUT OF THIS WORLD.
sam says
i read somewhere (can’t remember where) that cuevas said .. that is a different situation and can not be applied on Corona
double standard nga eh
Den Concepcion says
The Philippine Women Judges Association released today a manifesto in support of Impeached Chief Justice Renato Corona during a convention that is most probably paid for by our tax money, where Corona again reveled in the adulation of his own ilk and thundered with a dire warning of a budding one-man rule.
The Manifesto reads:
“The Philippine Women Judges Association (PWJA), hereby manifests its all out support to the quest for Judicial Independence and the respect for the rule of law, and toward this end, we join the Honorable Chief Justice Renato C. Corona in fighting for the Integrity and Independence of the Judiciary from whoever would attempt to trample the same and put to naught what has been enshrined in the Constitution of the Philippines,
Knowingly or unwittingly, the Impeachment Proceedings against the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court has besmirched and destroyed the image of the Judiciary as a whole, especially because of the massive use of propaganda and other techniques purposely to gain public sympathy, even when the methods used are not in accordance with the standards of law and ethics. We, the women Judges, do believe that public perception does play an important role in portraying the integrity and independence of the judiciary, and any move to taint its integrity and independence, will erode public trust and confidence, to which we must abhor and put to a stop,
In this fight, we do stand by the side of the Chief Justice, and we are with him in denouncing any interference on the functions of the judiciary in dispensing fair and equal justice to all. We salute you, Chief Justice, for being firm and steadfast to stand by the truth even when unpopularly criticized. Please bear in mind that behind the clouds, is a silver lining, and it is quite hard to put down a good man,”
Reading the above gave me the creeps. If our judges think this way, and would go all out to support a dicredited Chief Justice whose actions would merit disbarment had they been done even by just a lawyer who barely passed the bar exams – then we are in big trouble. Not only will we have a slow-grinding justice system, we will have one that is run by judges who no longer know the boundaries of decency, of what is right and just, of what are truths and lies.
And so to our dear lady jurists, i would like to give back to you your own Manifesto, in a form that it should have been if only you have our country in mind instead of the man to whome you profess your blind loyalty.
“The Philippine Women Judges Association (PWJA), hereby manifests its all-out support to the quest for Judicial Independence and the respect for the rule of law, and toward this end, we join the Filipino People in fighting for the Integrity and Independence of the Judiciary from whoever would attempt with wanton impunity to trample the same and put to naught what has been enshrined in the Constitution of the Philippines.
Knowingly or unwittingly Renato Corona, who was illegally appointed by Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo as the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court, has besmirched and destroyed the image of the Judiciary as a whole, especially because of the massive abuse of power and privileges accorded to his position and the use of government resources and court employees purposely to gain public sympathy to cover up his misdeeds, even when the methods used are not in accordance with the standards of law and ethics. We, the women Judges, do believe that public perception does play an important role in portraying the integrity and independence of the judiciary, and any move to taint its integrity and independence most especially by its highest officials led by the Chief Justice, will erode public trust and confidence, to which we must abhor and put to a stop,
In this fight, we do stand by the side of truth and integrity, and we are one with the rest of all concerned Filipinos in denouncing the degeneration of the standards of probity, integrity and accountability which threaten the functions of the judiciary in dispensing fair and equal justice to all. We salute all concerned Filipinos, for being firm and steadfast to stand by the truth even when unpopularly criticized. Please bear in mind that behind the clouds is a silver lining, and it is quite hard to put down Truth, Integrity, Accountability and Decency.”
Yvonne says
It should not surprise us that this manifesto was issued by the Philippine Women Judges Association (PWJA). The President of PWJA is Associate Justice Teresita J. Leonardo-de Castro. She was appointed to the Supreme Court by Gloria Macapagal Arroyo.
Here is a quote from Wikipedia about her appointment:
“De Castro was appointed to the Supreme Court soon after the end of this highly politicized (Estrada) trial. This led to some accusations of quid pro quo. People claimed that she had convicted former President Estrada in exchange for a seat on the Supreme Court”
“On December 4, 2007, Senate President Manuel Villar and Senate President Pro-Tempore Jinggoy Estrada (the son of Joseph) questioned the timing of Teresita de Castro appointment. Villar stated that: “The appointment’s coming so soon after de Castro’s division had convicted former President Joseph Estrada is bad timing. It gives the impression that the appointment was her reward for convicting Erap [Estrada’s nickname].” Jinggoy Estrada said: “A few months after the conviction of President Estrada, she [de Castro] was immediately appointed as Supreme Court associate justice. I think there was a deal between Malacañang and Sandiganbayan that if she convicts President Erap, she would be appointed to the Supreme Court.”
Yes, I fully agree that the impeachment trial of Chief Justice Corona has besmirched and destroyed the image of the Supreme Court because it highlights the politicalization of the justices such as of Justice De Castro (what has the PWJA got to do with the impeachment of Corona?), the abuse of the financial resources of the Supreme Court under the cover of its fiscal autonomy, the blatant abuse of judicial power when a member of the Supreme Court is on trial, etc.
Yes, the impeachment trial of Chief Justice Corona has besmirched and destroyed the image of the Supreme Court. But whose fault is it?
percy1007 says
The best sewage facility cannot remove the sh*t out of the lady judges manifesto.
They should have kept their bias to themselves and kept silent. Ang pag sipsip has no place in a judiciary.
The SC went on a self-destruct mode when Corona became the CJ with the connivance of the other justices.
Better for the lady judges to mend their ways and focus on dispensing true, fair and prompt justice. Don’t spend time making sipsip with Corona but tapusin ninyo agad pending cases ninyo.
jorgebernas says
Ngayon ko lang napag tanto na napakalakas palang mag tulungan nitong mga lady judges para sa AMONG thiefr justice nato corona na TUTA naman ni Pandak Makapal Coronayo.. Nakakahiya at Nakakadiri na kayong mga inutil na judges dapat sana tingnan muna ang merito nang impeachment trial bago sumali sali. Magtrabaho kayong mabuti dahil kami ang BOSS ninyo at Kami nagpapasuweldo/nagpapakain sa inyo….
Kim says
@Den, can we post at FB, pleeeaasee.
Den Concepcion says
@Kim, you are most welcome to do so.
arlon says
Pwede ba ilantad or do you have copies of the names of these lady judges. We should write to each one of them, and ask each one also about their SALN’s and allowances.
christian bernard says
I want copy too. Was this manifesto signed by all the women members? Was Justice sereno and morales members too? Who wrote this manifesto?
kardozoo says
corona shamelessly banners the words ‘rule of law’ in his streamer. what it really means by that is ‘rule of lawyers’.let us not forget that it was the SC which invited public scrutiny by the following acts:
1. the ‘midnight appointment’ is a clear violation on ‘equal application’ of law for all. by making a questionable exemption the corona faction violated the ‘rule of law’.
2. the issuance of a TRO made highly discretionary despite the presence of an opposition from the DOJ, without giving sec. de lima adequate time to explain. another glaring transgression on the sub-rule on ‘the rule of law’. that the exercise of discretion must necessary show compliance with all its requirements.
Odadsoid says
Cut! Tarantaduhan!
A Simple Mind says
Aren’t judges suppose to be impartial? By doing this manifesto, they have shown that they are not neutral. Had they harbored their support for the CJ without going public, i would have respected that. At least it would seem that they were neutral to the issue until after all evidences have been presented. Now, if we have judges who are not impartial, then where will we get justice?
Pinoyparin says
ITO YUNG BINANGGIT KO NA SINA BI NI SENATOR ENRILE KANINA SA TRIAL WHICH IS PUBLISHED IN ABS-CBN
Senate President and presiding officer Juan Ponce Enrile stressed the need for a public official to declare the acquisition cost of a property in his or her SALN because it can help determine if the property is ill-gotten wealth.
In his ponencia in a case involving the Marcoses, Corona himself ruled that if a government official’s income can’t support his expenditure, there is already presumption of ill-gotten wealth.
“Sinabi ng batas, kailangang ideklara mo at sumpaan mo na ito ang assets mo, ito ang liability mo, at ito ang net worth mo. Kailangan at importante yung mga acquisition cost dito,” Enrile told chief defense counsel Serafin Cuevas.
He also reminded Cuevas that the Senate is hearing an impeachment case and not an ordinary case.
Cuevas earlier said that “If, in the preparation and submission of the statement of assets and liabilities, the public official making the same have filed a valuation made by an official of government, he must be in good faith. No presumption of malice could enter. If there’s no malice, the SALN may be ordered corrected.”
Cuevas’ statement about the law allowing SALNs to be revised runs counter to Supreme Court decisions saying that only formal defects, such as typographical errors, are allowed to be corrected in SALNs.
Enrile made the point about the acquisition cost of Corona’s assets after the prosecution, the defense, and some senators engaged in a heated discussion on what should be filled up in the SALN, which is required of all public officials.
He said that all that is needed to determine an official’s net worth is assets, as determined by acquisition cost of a property, against liabilities.
“When you talk of graft and corruption, you are not talking of incremental, assessed, fair market values but acquisition cost,” he reiterated.
In Corona’s SALNs, nothing is written in the acquisition cost column.
Senator Panfilo Lacson said he found no problem with the assessed and fair market values in Corona’s SALNs.
However, he wants to know why Corona placed the assessed and fair market value total of his assets under the acquisition cost column.
johnny lin says
Deception was plain intention of Corona. Hide true values of properties by undervaluing them and when investigated he would rationalize by lawyering.
Criminal mind, he he he.
kardozoo says
why would someone filing a SALN go trough the trouble of knowing a propety’s assessed value for taxation purposes when one could easily tell from one’s memory as to the cost in which a property was acquired? 2M, 5M. 10M. or 14M are easily recalled from memory when filling up the spaces provided for..and the law does not require an exact value to the last centavo. ‘de minimis’ was the legal term to establish an error that was totally accpetable in the court of law.
percy1007 says
Correct ka diyan. Intentional ang pagtago ng acquisition cost. Corona had no intent to comply with the spirit of the SALN law because he planned to get away with it. Nabuko lang ni Cong Tupas et al.
Den Concepcion says
The Philippine Women Judges Association released today a manifesto in support of Impeached Chief Justice Renato Corona during a convention that is most probably paid for by our tax money, where Corona again reveled in the adulation of his own ilk and thundered with a dire warning of a budding one-man rule.
The Manifesto reads:
“The Philippine Women Judges Association (PWJA), hereby manifests its all out support to the quest for Judicial Independence and the respect for the rule of law, and toward this end, we join the Honorable Chief Justice Renato C. Corona in fighting for the Integrity and Independence of the Judiciary from whoever would attempt to trample the same and put to naught what has been enshrined in the Constitution of the Philippines,
Knowingly or unwittingly, the Impeachment Proceedings against the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court has besmirched and destroyed the image of the Judiciary as a whole, especially because of the massive use of propaganda and other techniques purposely to gain public sympathy, even when the methods used are not in accordance with the standards of law and ethics. We, the women Judges, do believe that public perception does play an important role in portraying the integrity and independence of the judiciary, and any move to taint its integrity and independence, will erode public trust and confidence, to which we must abhor and put to a stop,
In this fight, we do stand by the side of the Chief Justice, and we are with him in denouncing any interference on the functions of the judiciary in dispensing fair and equal justice to all. We salute you, Chief Justice, for being firm and steadfast to stand by the truth even when unpopularly criticized. Please bear in mind that behind the clouds, is a silver lining, and it is quite hard to put down a good man,”
Reading the above gave me the creeps. If our judges think this way, and would go all out to support a dicredited Chief Justice whose actions would merit disbarment had they been done even by just a lawyer who barely passed the bar exams – then we are in big trouble. Not only will we have a slow-grinding justice system, we will have one that is run by judges who no longer know the boundaries of decency, of what is right and just, of what are truths and lies.
And so to our dear lady jurists, i would like to give back to you your own Manifesto, in a form that it should have been if only you have our country in mind instead of the man to whome you profess your blind loyalty.
“The Philippine Women Judges Association (PWJA), hereby manifests its all-out support to the quest for Judicial Independence and the respect for the rule of law, and toward this end, we join the in fighting for the Integrity and Independence of the Judiciary from whoever would attempt to trample the same and put to naught what has been enshrined in the Constitution of the Philippines.
Knowingly or unwittingly the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court, has besmirched and destroyed the image of the Judiciary as a whole, especially because of the massive purposely to gain public sympathy , even when the methods used are not in accordance with the standards of law and ethics. We, the women Judges, do believe that public perception does play an important role in portraying the integrity and independence of the judiciary, and any move to taint its integrity and independence , will erode public trust and confidence, to which we must abhor and put to a stop,
In this fight, we do stand by the side of , and we are in denouncing the functions of the judiciary in dispensing fair and equal justice to all. We salute , for being firm and steadfast to stand by the truth even when unpopularly criticized. Please bear in mind that behind the clouds is a silver lining, and it is quite hard to put down .”
max says
I was equally shocked when I learned about these PWJA’S manifesto. This manifesto smacks of compromised values our justice system has. I am sure that the rule of the few who influenced publication of this manifesto does not reflect the opinion of everyone. However, at the same time, those who could have said something do not say anything. That is equally disturbing.
Values are shaped during formative years. Yet, our prestigious law schools have the responsibility and must hammer it in our law students that lawyering is a NOBLE calling that must grounded on solid values of what is honesty and fairness. It is not simply the quest for the prestige to produce the bar topnotchers. The integrity of the legal, judicial system must be brought back, front and centre in this profession.
When all is said and done, obviously, immense healing must be facilitated. The empowerment of Juan Dela Cruz must chill corrupt men and women of the legal system for they shall be haunted and held accountable as well. It is ETHICS, attorney!
Guy With A Blog says
Many people have commented about how “brilliant” Chief Justice Corona’s defense team is, in particular, former Justice Serafin Cuevas with his kilometric objections. So I thought it best to compile what I’ve learned from the defense team so far.
1. Invoke the “rule of law” when it suits you.
When the prosecution presented their witnesses, introduced evidence, and did anything to build up their case, they were always rebuffed by the defense team – and cheered on gleefully by senators like Miriam Defensor-Santiago – with statements like “Irrelevant”, “Not included in the Articles of Impeachment”, and the like. One thing the defense had thrown out was 2.4 of the Articles of Impeachment, the allegation that the Chief Justice had ill-gotten wealth. And now that they’ve done that, we move on to number 2.
2. Discard the “rule of law” when it doesn’t suit you.
Their witnesses this week are concentrating on the “proper-ness” of the CJ’s wealth. Disbursement officer Bayuga came in testifying about how much allowances, bonuses, expenses, etc. Corona was getting as his “earnings” for being the highest magistrate of the land. This, after anything related to his supposed irregularity of obtaining wealth was something they successfully had thrown out. The prosecution cannot present anything that will prove their allegation, but the defense is free to proclaim all evidence to prove the opposite.
Again, this specific discussion was thrown out, thanks to them.
And now that the “Acquisition Costs” have been initially hashed out today, and there is no denying the fact that Corona in some of his SALNs left the column for these particular amounts blank, Cuevas says it could be the secretary who prepared the SALN, or maybe the valuation of the property is much lower than when it was bought.
And I thought following the “rule of law” meant just that: If you do not declare something truthfully in your SALN, then you are breaking the law. And Corona has been “not declaring” for a decade? Once, we can let it slide. To do it for 10 years, no excuse. Is Cuevas now saying that even though Corona signed the SALN as correct and true under oath, he is not liable?
What happened to “rule of law”?
3. Allege that senators can be bribed. They won’t bite. WAH!
When private prosecutor Aguirre covered his ears to save his eardrums from Santiago’s vitriol – and only as a reaction to her and her alone, he even gave a speech of how some senators talk down to the prosecutors and not caring about human dignity, obviously referring to her – he was adjudged by the entire impeachment court as being bastos (rude or disrespectful) to the entire Court.
When Atty. Roy of the defense called a press conference to announce that they have “reliable information” that the Senators were being bribed for 100 Million pesos each, something that reads to me as an indictment of the entire Court as having their votes “for sale”, what did the Senators do?
Nothing.
Openly reacting honestly to a senator’s diatribe and cussing? Bastos. To the whole court.
Spreading unfounded rumors about the conduct of the Court as a whole, casting doubts on their impartiality and integrity? No comment. Approved.
Should we allow children to learn ethics from this example?
4. “Wait for our turn”, they implore. Then stonewall some more when the floor is yours.
When people commented based on what the prosecution has presented thus far, and the consensus is that there is definitely something irregular in the transactions and conduct of the Chief Justice, defense cried foul saying it was unfair to be judged that way when they haven’t presented their evidence.
Santiago even denounced a survey in UP (75% of the respondents believed Corona to be guilty), asking that the students be expelled. (I didn’t know people could be expelled for expressing opinions. Is former president Ferdinand Marcos back from the dead? Did Santiago declare Martial Law?)
Now that the floor is theirs – and they lead us to believe that they were raring to disprove the allegations contained in the Articles of Impeachment, this is what they did.
Cuevas again – unsuccessfully – tried to declare the entire trial void/illegal and thrown out.
After being rebuffed, he presents Tiangco as his first witness, something to bolster his contention why the trial should be stopped. No comment from the Senators.
They present Bayuga, who listed the salary and allowances of the Chief Justice. She unwittingly made the prosecution’s case stronger: Out of the purported 21 million he “earned” (Bayuga included 2011 earnings, when the SALNs in question were until 2010.), 5.8 million of which is his “official salary”, the House Chairman of accounts has said that 7 million of those bonuses should be liquidated. (Returned if unused, and explained with receipts if used.) Given the properties he has amassed and their known acquisition costs, he cannot justify having bought them with what he has “earned”.
They present Villaruz, who could only testify regarding tax declarations and assessed value. He cannot speak for the Acquisition Costs, which is what was in question (they were all blank in Corona’s SALNs.) Even Presiding Officer Enrile seemed exasperated and had to spell this out to Cuevas, as to what was being asked or being determined in relevance to the Articles of Impeachment.
And I saved the best thing I learned so far for last.
5. You’re a criminal? Illegal activities? Open a Dollar account here – It’s more fun in the Philippines!
That’s because NO ONE has the right to question anything in a dollar account, because our laws state that unless you give your consent, not even an impeachment trial, or allegations of fraud, can force any government official or body to look into those accounts.
Oh, happy day for money laundering! The AMLC (Anti Money Laundering Council) is a joke in this country! Come one! Come all! Criminals, nefarious characters, dubious dealings, the Mafia! Open Season for where to stash your loot! It’s perfectly legal and safe to keep your wealth here!
Only in the Philippines.
Veiz says
criminal si chief justice? ilang senador ba may discrepancy sa SALN sino ba may truthful na SALN lahat naman sila pare pareho dpat lahat tanggalin din
raissa says
Hindi lahat.
Guy With A Blog says
I did not say “criminal si chief justice”, that was your take on what I wrote. Please read carefully, nowhere did I say that quotation. Rule of law, remember?
And if you “read” that from what I wrote, you need to ask yourself why. I’ll leave you alone for, 76 years, give or take. That should give you enough time to process your own biases.
The impeachment trial is of the Chief Justice. No amount of slimy slithering will derail the country from this.
Pinoyparin says
@Guy With A Blog
If I am not mistaken this was clarified clearly by Senator ENRILE that the most important information in the SALN is the acquisition cost.
very clear yung paliwanag niya kaya di nakasagot at tamimi si CUEVAS.
Mates please comment on this baka mali yung pagkadinig ko
Guy With A Blog says
Yes, I think Enrile was exasperated also with the pasikot sikot ni Cuevas, and made that declaration regarding Acquisition Cost. :)
sam says
si cuevas tumatawa pa ng tinatanong siya ni Sen Lacson about acquisition.. ang sagot pa
“we will definitely dealt with it when our time comes” eh sir cuevas maybe you may also forgot, its already your time …
http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/video/nation/03/15/12/cuevas-no-evidence-corona-prepared-salns
Kim says
… he has the same notion of time as Corona
christian bernard says
naka time warp kasi silang dalawa. Cuevas at Corona! Klarong klaro na sinabe ni JPE na ACQUISITION COST ANG DAPAT PAGBASEHAN PERIOD. So there! Defense no more grumbling. OK? Next witness……….
nong says
naniwala ba ang defense na lahat ng butas sa SALN me laman if applicable?
baka sa kanila optonal lang at descretionary ang pag fill-out nito..
bakit pa me butas na dapat sagutin kung di naman kailangan?
mahirap ba maunawaan ang acquisition cost…
o huli na iwas pusoy pa..
ano ba ang dapat..pag walang common ground tungkul dito… till kingdom come mag debate kayo..walang katuturan.
victor tanyag says
Hi Raissa,
It may not be ethical but could someone from the contributors of the Modern Plaza Miranda steer the senator judges to your blog site? If they could just read your blogs re: corona impeachment trial, baka mauntog ang mga personal bias nila na ipawalang sala si corona despite the overwhelming clamor of their constituent, people who vote for them to be their representative in the legislature. I heard one of them already used or quoted that he learned
one matter of fact information from your website/blog. ( Sen. Kiko Pangilinan).
Tila nga nag Moro-Moro lang ang ibang senator-judges. They openly fraternized with the defense lawyer’s in front of tv camera’s during court break’s, which is also unethical and not allowed in regular court trial’s. Hindi na sila nihihiya sa nakakapanood sa tv.
Somebody mentioned (a Kano) in this blog site that all of the above intelligent comments and contributions to the Modern Plaza Miranda would be just an interesting ‘shadow boxing’
because the character corruption of some senator-judges would prevail despite.
Question: If the senator-judges would vote today, how many would vote to acquit corona?
Everybody already know the regular suspect’s like marcos, santiago, joker etc, but how would the other senator judges vote like edcudero? It seems that acquittal verdict is a big possibilty
the way it is going. Maybe somebody from the Plaza Miranda in this website could run a daily tally of the possible vote count.
Thank you Raissa for your blogs. You are truly the modern beacon light bearer of the Pilipino people. Ingat lang po.
raissa says
You’re welcome.
Guy With A Blog says
Just read this from ANC’s website:
Sen. Recto believes 99% of government employees make mistakes in their SALN. Including him daw, malamang kasama sya dyan.
What happened to the “rule of law”? Pikit mata nalang tayo?
This is what happens when we are so deeply ingrained in a culture of corruption: Yung mali, jinujustify as correct because “lahat naman gumagawa nyan eh”.
Dennis Zarauz says
Kumporme sa mali. Kung may malalaking discretion ay ibang usapan na.
MamangUsisero says
Simple mistakes can be corrected but willful misdeclaration of SALN is violation of the law.
J.A. says
kawatan din ata itong Recto eh…Kaya ngayon palang nagpaparinig na na may kagaguhan din sa SALN nya. Dapat cguro masilip SALN nito…
jimmycoz says
Mukhang tama, so far halata ang double standards sa maraming senators. If ever maacquit si corona mangunguna ako sa lansangan para ipakita ang akin pagkadismaya.
baycas says
Guy,
It’s the “peanut butter approach”.
I wrote something on this here: http://raissarobles.com/2012/02/16/does-the-bank-secrecy-law-really-protect-all-of-coronas-dollars/
pelang says
dapat imbestigahan din ang Recto na yan. Asawa niya artista at Governor. Kumikitang parehong government employee. kasama kaya ang kita ni Vilma pag nag file ng SALN? Di ba si Vilma o representative niya tumanggap din ng brown envelope na may lamang 500,0000.00 Pesos na pinamigay ni Pandak noong President pa siya para hindi siya ma-impeach? Nabuking sila ng Priest na govenor ng Pampanga (kalimutan ko na ang pangalan noon pari na iyon).dahil ng buksan ang envelope me laman ngang pera at ipinakita sa media.
arlon says
Recto is a Batangueno like Corona; is he beholden to him for some “unseen” reasons. Altho a Liberal member like PNoy, Sen Recto strikes me as a balimbing and trapo politician, of course. He was a GMA supporter before, right?
NO offense meant to Batanguenos, out there.
paiburong says
yes, i heard senator recto. but the determining factors in this impeachment are:
a. acquisitoin cost or propery
b. declared liquid asset….yung pera
yung mga senators boboto ayun sa criteria na di sila tatamaan. sa b: mahirap lusutan yan kugn saan nanggaling ang pera. otherwise, tax evasion ang kaso ni corona
the senator judges are aware that they must look impartial sa mata ng tao so kunyari, meron silang personal na verdict againts the sc in item b, they go attach item a to make it look like they are impartial but knowing fully that in the end, they will vote based on item b. kung ma analyse natin ang mga senator judges, ito ang ginagawa nila to look impartial. after the voting the senators will be asked in camera how they voted, and they will have to explain. however, if one senator voted to acquit based on item a but fail to adress item b, then he could be viewed as neglecting the more imortang convicting evidence. on the otherhand, if the senator addressed item b (covincting evidence) but neglects to address addres item a (non convicting evidence) then he stil used good judgement. wala silang kawala dito dahil televised ito, they will suffer the wrath of the people. remember, isa lang ang dapat mapatunayan ng prosecution. dito nahihirapan ang defense dahil kahit na magkaiba ang article of impeachment, related ito sa isa’t isa. the defense has to obliterate ALL articles or theirdefense will serve no purpose….mahirap ipagsamahin. tama ang shotgun strategy ng prosecution. kasi makikita na to defend one artilce, the defense has to violate the other.. damn if they don’t, damn if they do.
wow says
wala bang nakakapansin?
Mga sikat na abogado? Mga respetadong senador! Mga Congressman? Chief Justice ng Pilipinas?
Nagtatatalo talo kung paano mag fill up ng SALN ???
SALN ??? helllowww? the very basic requirement na dapat gawin ng isang Public Servant?
anak ng … hindi ba kasama sa Exam ng Civil Service ito ?? or siguro dapat pa bang isama sa Curriculum ng DEPed ang tamang pag-FILL UP NG SALN
para hindi na PAGTALUNAN ng mga mataas na OPISYAL ng pilipinas at mga respetadong abogado?
the IMPEACHMENT should be dubbed as SALN 101
MamangUsisero says
Agree ako dyan sa observation. Pero may guidelines naman on how to accomplish ang SALN. Kaso lang, yung mga required to submit, binabalewala lang nila. At walang nag monitor kung nag submit, kung kumpleto ung details, kung truthful yung declarations, at which government agency should be responsible for doing all these things.
Guy With A Blog says
Couldn’t agree more.
Bayonic says
Couldn’t disagree less …. And these people are supposed to be responsible for drafting , revising, correcting and updating laws….. Ibig ba sabihin nito hindi nila ginagawa trabaho nila kasi marami na mga natuklasang batas na hindi malinaw ?
Sarah says
Hindi naman sila, nagtatangahan lang! Nagpapalusot kasi! May ginawang kalokohan kaya naghahanap ng lusot!
arlon says
Agree. Di ba kahawig lang ito ng ITR lang ito, and at ang ITR simpleng tao nakakapag fill up ng tama.
And to think may PHD ata itong si Corona tapos mali mali KUNO ang SALN kasi hindi naman intensyon ang mga kamalian.
percy1007 says
The SALN law was meant to determine net worth of public officials. I don’t know why the need for assess value and FMV eh “irrelevant and immaterial” naman.
What should be mandatory is how much was spent to buy the property and the cost of improvements you made to these properties.
For a lot, how much was spent in a building. or a residence. For a condo unit, how much was spent for the interior and upgrade e.g. jacuzzi or italian chandelier which can reach hundreds of thousand pesos.
True networth in the SALN and the ITR may demonstrate illegally acquired wealth as Corona did to the Marcoses. Did Corona goofed in his SALN and ITR or he knew nobody will take him up for the discrepancies or he was sure to get away with it?
nong says
revise the SALN to be more simplistic…that no disagreement will result..
only enter actual costs,,, tanggalin na yoong assessed value o fair market value… anyway..di naman kasali yaan sa formula… asset-liabilities=networth
sam says
Just Curious … this just suddenly hit my mind
100% ba talaga pro bono ang defense? Or may na promise si Corona sa kanila? if there is, paano kung hindi niya ito ibibigay?
wala lang, just what i’ve said, bigla lang pumasok sa isip kong itong question
wow says
opo … naging isyu nga din po yan … nung binanggit nila na PRO BONO sila kasi may batas din na nagsasabing HINDI DAPAT HUMINGI NG PABOR, PERA o LIBRENG SERBISYO ang isang mahistrado ….
he he he he … ONLY IN DA PILIPINS :)
Guy With A Blog says
According to them, pro bono daw sila.
And I’m Mr. Universe.
dtranscriber says
@Guy With A Blog
LIKE NA LIKE>>>> LOL
Bayonic says
I recall it was Senator Saguisag who opined that the mere fact that these lawyers are providing pro bono work in defending the CJ is already a violation. Government officials especially those in the Judiciary should not be receiving gifts.
I am gonna die says
I just had a thought.
These thief lawyers may be saying they are working pro bono, but what they are really doing is marketing.
They are showing all the crooks how marvelously they can get them off the hook.
Incredible marketing opportunity.
BasTURDS!
sam says
oo nga eh … para tumaas ang market value nila?
MamangUsisero says
if they win this impeachment case, they will increase their value and fees. If they lose, they may lose clients.
percy1007 says
“Investment” ng mga Corona defense lawyers for they surely would appear many times before the SC in the future. Over ruled lahat ng motion ng kalaban. Hahahaha.
Kahit sabihin mo mag-inhibit si Corona. Admit niya na may influence siya with the other justices as he did on the HL P10b settlement. Kita mo naman ang daming red shirts na parang Red Guards.