MANILA, Philippines (UPDATED) - The defense team of Chief Justice Renato Corona raised the issue of jurisdiction of the Ombudsman over his supposed bank accounts, even as they debunked allegations he has $10 million.
In a phone interview, defense lawyer Tranquil Salvador told ABS-CBNnews.com that they stand by their answer that Corona does not have $10 million as alleged by several petitioners who sought to bring the case before the Office of the Ombudsman.
He said the timing of the order has raised speculations among stakeholders and observers in the trial of Corona, which would resume May 7.
He said the issue could be used to “push the Chief Justice to sit on the witness stand to supposedly explain the $10 million when no such funds or accounts actually exist.”
The Philippine Daily Inquirer reported that Ombudsman Conchita Carpio Morales asked her former colleague in the Supreme Court to explain in writing how he was supposed to acquire peso and dollar accounts.
“This office finds that there is reasonable ground to proceed further with the conduct of an inquiry vis-à-vis the charges that you, during your incumbency as a public officer, accumulated wealth that is purportedly grossly disproportionate to your salary and other lawful income,” Morales was quoted as saying in her April 20 order, a copy of which has yet to be formally disclosed.
Salvador did not answer whether or not Corona has already replied to the order, noting only that a copy of which was received last week.
“All individuals in [the petition] have interest in the [impeachment trial proceedings]. There was already a forfeiture case instituted by a congressman during the break. This one, I’m not surprised,” he said.
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