Philippine Chief Justice Facing Impeachment Admits He Didn't Disclose $2.4M, But Says That's OK
The Philippine Supreme Court chief justice, accused of stealing money from the country and in the middle of an impeachment trial, yesterday stated that he did nothing wrong by not declaring $2.4 million in his bank accounts.
Last week, a prosecutor testified that Renato Corona failed to disclose between $10 million and $12 million in bank accounts under his name, the Associated Press reports. In response, Corona cited a Philippines law that protects foreign deposits from disclosure. Corona also stated that he did not have as much money as was alleged. What he did have, Corona said, came from property his wife sold and his earnings as a successful lawyer.
He’s also accused of blocking the corruption prosecution of Gloria Macapagal Arroyo, the country’s former president, the AP reports. Conversely, Corona accuses President Benigno Aquino III of conspiring to have him removed from office.
A decision in the politically charged trial is expected next week. Corona is the first Philippines chief justice to be impeached, and if he’s convicted by the Senate, he could face additional criminal charges.
