Day 2: Nothing went right

Solon-prosecutors came unprepared

THE Senate was forced to postpone yesterday what should have been the first day of the trial proper on the Corona impeachment case after the 11-man prosecution panel came unprepared to present evidence before the impeachment court.

“Since the prosecution is not prepared to present evidence, the Senate motu proprio suspends trial until Wednesday 2 p.m.,” said Senate President Juan Ponce Enrile, the trial’s presiding officer.

The proceedings yesterday lasted about two hours, just a little longer than the opening Monday.

Rep. Lorenzo Tañada, a spokesman of the prosecution panel, said, “I admit that I was a bit disappointed with the turnout.”

Even prosecutor Rep. Rodolfo Fariñas hastily left the Senate building after Enrile announced the suspension.

“Saling-pusa lang naman ako dito,” he was heard as saying as he was leaving [...]

Read the full story >>  Day 2: Nothing went right

First day of Corona impeach trial filled with ironies, bereft of drama

By Michael Lim Ubac
Philippine Daily Inquirer

The first day of Chief Justice Renato Corona’s trial was filled with ironies but bereft of the highly charged political drama that engulfed the nation 12 years ago, when then President Joseph Estrada went on trial for almost the same impeachable offenses.

Unlike the opening of the Estrada trial on Dec. 7, 2001, the hearing on Monday cannot be characterized as a political circus.

While both the prosecution and defense panels had traded barbs through the media in the weeks leading up to the Corona trial, there were no such fireworks on the Senate floor when the contending parties delivered their opening statements.

Unexpectedly, Senate President Juan Ponce Enrile stole the thunder from former Supreme Court Associate Justice Serafin Cuevas, head of the defense panel, and Iloilo Representative Niel Tupas Jr., the chief prosecutor of the  [...]

Read the full story >> First day of Corona impeach trial filled with ironies, bereft of drama

Prosecutors ask Senate to subpoena BIR chief on Corona tax returns

KIMBERLY JANE TAN
GMA News

(Updated 12:15 p.m.) The House prosecution is asking the Senate, sitting as an impeachment court, to subpoena the chief of the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) and other government employees to testify in connection with the alleged properties of Chief Justice Renato Corona.

In a request filed late Monday, the House prosecutors asked the Senate to subpoena BIR commissioner Kim Jacinto-Henares to the impeachment trial on January 17 or on any date deemed appropriate by the impeachment court.

They likewise asked that Henares be made to bring with her the original and certified true copies of the annual income tax returns (ITR) of Corona (for the years 1992 to 2010), his wife (1992 to 2010), his daughter Carla (2000-2010), his son-in-law Constantino Castillo (2000 to 2010), his son Francis (2005 to 2010), and his other daughter Charina (2005 to 2010).

They also asked that the BIR chief bring the certificate authorizing registrations covering the sale of the following [...]

Read the full story >>  Prosecutors ask Senate to subpoena BIR chief on Corona tax returns

SC won’t stop Senate

By Edu Punay
The Philippine Star

MANILA, Philippines – The Supreme Court (SC) yesterday thumbed down bids to stop the ongoing impeachment trial of Chief Justice Renato Corona in the Senate through the issuance of a temporary restraining order (TRO).

In its first full-court session this year, the SC instead opted to first seek comments from both the House of Representatives and the Senate before deciding on the necessity of issuing a TRO, as prayed for in the petitions of taxpayer Danilo Lihaylihay, former Integrated Bar of the Philippines (IBP) president Vicente Millora, and lawyers Oliver Lozano, Homobono Adaza, Vladimir Cabigao and Allan Paguia.

SC spokesman Midas Marquez said the high court, in a unanimous vote, ordered the respondents to submit their separate comments within 10 days from receipt of notice.

“The justices voted unanimously that there was no urgency to rule on the prayer for TRO at this point. They felt it would be necessary to first hear comments from the respondents, after which they will decide if there’s need to issue a TRO [...]

Read the full story >>  SC won’t stop Senate

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One buiIds, the other destroys

BY AMADO P. MACASAET
MALAYA

‘Growth shown by economic indicators is meaningless if what we see is a naked effort by the Supreme Court to save Gloria Arroyo.’

THE fallacy in the present imbroglio over the impeachment of the Chief Justice is that the accuser – President Aquino and the House of Representatives – and the accused Chief Justice Renato Corona are accusing each other of the same crime.

While the Constitution requires only one -third vote of the House of Representatives to impeach, 188 lawmakers signed the impeachment complaint. That is clear manifestation of desire of the people to yank the Chief Justice out of the Supreme Court.

That is how, theoreticalIy at least, representative government works.

President Aquino has repeatedly said that the sanctity of the Court must be regained and thereafter preserved for the people. The only way to do that is to impeach the Chief Justice who is believed to be wielding the baton over the majority of the Court for the protection of  [...]

Read the full story >>  One buiIds, the other destroys

The nation’s on trial

ON DISTANT SHORE
By Val G. Abelgas

In the current hullabaloo over the impeachment trial of Chief Justice Renato Corona, it is good to know that the man who presides over the court that will judge the chief justice understands the consequences of the entire democratic process to the nation and to the institutions that are involved.

Senate President Juan Ponce Enrile, in his remarks at the start of the trial, cautioned his fellow senators sitting as judges that as jurors, they have the “obligation and responsibility to closely and diligently examine the evidence and the facts to be presented before [them], to determine whether such evidence and facts sufficiently and convincingly support the charges, and ultimately, to decide the fate of no less than the Chief Justice of the Highest Court of the land, and the head of a co-equal branch of our government.”

Enrile reminded the senators that although an impeachment trial is political in nature,

it should not be taken as an excuse “to ignore and abandon our solemn and higher obligation and responsibility as a body of jurors to see to it that the Bill of Rights are observed and that justice is served, and to conduct the trial with impartiality and fairness, to hear the case with a clear and open mind, to weigh carefully in the scale the evidence against the respondent, and to render to him  [...]

Read the full story >>   The nation’s on trial

Impeachment trial as comedy

By Ellen Tordesillas
Malaya

Who says the Corona impeachment trial would be boring with all the legal gobbledygook, a classic quote by then Sen. Rodolfo Biazon during the Estrada impeachment trial in 2000, that we expect would dominate the trial?

It was the second day and the prosecution was expected to start the presentation of evidence. It was Rep. Elpidio Barzaga Jr (Cavite, 2nd dist) who was the lead prosecutor and he started with saying that it was in the public interest that they start with Article 2 of the Impeachment complaint which was“culpable violation of the Constitution and/or betrayed the public trust when he failed disclose to the public his statement of assets, liabilities, and networth statement of assets, liabilities, and net worth as required unders Sec. 17, Art. XI of the 1987 Constitution.”

The defense, as expected, opposed the re-arranging of the order of presentation of evidence. Barzaga said the prosecution was not ready with the evidence for Article 1 which was “betrayal of the public trust through his track record marked by partiality and subservience in cases involving the Arroyo administration from the time of his appointment as supreme court justice which continued to his dubious appointment as a midnight chief justice and up to the present. “

In the course of the exchanges among the prosecution, defense and the presiding judge, Barzaga said that he was just  [...]

Read the full story >>  Impeachment trial as comedy

It’s the truth, liar

AS I WRECK THIS CHAIR
By William M. Esposo
The Philippine Star

What’s interesting in the recently released essay of detained former president Gloria Macapagal Arroyo (GMA) titled “It’s the economy, student” is not what it said but what it inadvertently reveals about her. Her chosen title takes off from candidate Bill Clinton’s campaign line against President George H. Bush — It’s the economy, stupid.

Pretending to be a comparative review between the country’s economic performance under her and President Noynoy Aquino (P-Noy) – GMA’s paper is more of a summary of the unsubstantiated issues that P-Noy haters and critics have been spreading. One wonders if they inspired her to use these issues or it was she who fed them these.

She wrote: “It is in poverty that we find the material roots of the problem of corruption — because the political system based on patronage — and ultimately, corruption to support patronage — is made possible only by the large gap between the rich and the poor.” Never mind the awful syntax — GMA has some nerve to talk about corruption as if it did not flourish during her 9 years [...]

Read the full story >>   It’s the truth, liar

World Bank report on SC is ‘genuine’: Palace

Source: abs-cbnNEWS.com

MANILA, Philippines (UPDATE) – Malacañang on Tuesday said a World Bank report, which questioned the Supreme Court’s use of funds allocated for the Judicial Reform Support Program (JRSP) under Chief Justice Renato Corona, is “genuine.”

“We have verified with officials who were furnished copies of the World Bank report that the version uploaded by a media outfit online, and theirs, are a match. The report details the expenditures declared ineligible for World Bank funding. It also demanded a refund from the Supreme Court for expenses that were not covered by the grant,” said presidential spokesman Edwin Lacierda, in a statement.

The World Bank’s aide memoire, dated December 28, 2011, said progress in judicial reforms has been slow ever since Corona assumed the position.

The multilateral agency supposedly uncovered incomplete information in the disbursement of a $21.9-million loan for the JRSP. It tagged the program as “high-risk.” The World Bank gave the fund for reforms in the judiciary, but part of it was allegedly used for other purposes such as [...]

Read the full story >>   World Bank report on SC is ‘genuine’: Palace

Senate wants plunder raps vs Arroyo

Source: BusinessWorld

FRESH PLUNDER charges were recommended to be filed against former president Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo and past officials of a state-run lottery office over alleged fund misuse.

“Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo and Mrs. Rosario Uriarte should be charged with the crime of plunder,” the Blue Ribbon committee said in its report promulgated on Tuesday.

The case involves the alleged irregular use of confidential/intelligence funds (CIF) of the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO). Ms. Uriarte was former PCSO vice-chairman and general manager.

Committee Report 95 noted that the CIF had a budget of P325 million in the period 2008-2010, significantly higher than the annual P10-million regular budget in previous years.

“Neither common sense nor meticulous analysis can explain the necessity, relevance and reasonableness of the sudden bloat in the CIF budget of the PCSO,” the committee noted.

Moreover, the funds “were illegally siphoned into the pockets of Mrs. Uriarte and GMA [Mrs. Arroyo’s initials],” it added.

Further, the report said Misses Arroyo and Uriarte should be “held liable for technical malversation” over the use of the CIF for [...]

Read the full story >>  Senate wants plunder raps vs Arroyo

DISCLAIMER: Commentaries or articles may be submitted for publication. However, the commentaries and articles submitted by writers and readers for publication do not necessarily reflect the views of Global Balita and its Editor. The Editor does not knowingly publish false information and may not be held liable for the views of writers and readers exercising their right to free expression. Global Balita and its Editor reserve the right to reject any commentary or article submitted for publication.

Day 4: Was this the smoking gun?

Prosecution, defense clash on listed assets

BY WENDELL VIGILIA and JP LOPEZ
MALAYA

IS this the smoking gun that will nail Chief Justice Renato Corona?

Yes, says the prosecution, based on the documents. Not on your life, says the defense, with allegations based on suspicions and speculations.

The head of Taguig City Registry of Deeds testified yesterday at the impeachment trial of Corona that he and wife Cristina own the controversial 303.5-sq. meter penthouse at the Bellagio condominium at The Fort.

Randy Rutaquio was able to testify on the Coronas’ ownership of the properties despite the attempts of lead defense counsel Serafin Cuevas to block the presentation of evidence on the ground that the allegation under Article II of the Articles of Impeachment was based merely on “suspicion” and “reports.”

Article II accuses Corona of culpable violation of the Constitution, betrayal of public trust, and graft and corruption for not disclosing his statement of assets and liabilities and net worth (SALN) as required by the Constitution.

Under the same article, the complainants also accuse Corona of having accumulated ill-gotten wealth, “acquiring assets of high values and keeping bank accounts with huge deposits, including among others [...]

Read the full story >>  Day 4: Was this the smoking gun?

Corona may have committed perjury, prosecution panel says

Source: Sun Star

CHIEF Justice Renato Corona may be guilty of perjury, the impeachment prosecution panel said, if the acquired real properties declared in his statements of assets, liabilities and net worth (SALN) were found to have been undervalued.

“The SALN is (filed) under oath and if you are not telling the truth, you are guilty of perjury,” House Deputy Majority Leader Romero Frederico “Miro” Quimbo, spokesperson for the prosecution panel, said Thursday.

In Corona’s 2010 SALN submitted to the impeachment court by SC Clerk of Court Enriquetta Vidal, he declared a net worth of P22.94 million. Real properties were valued at P18.4 million.

The Chief Justice declared five real properties: a house and lot in Quezon City acquired in 1970; and four condominium units [...]

Read the full story >>  Corona may have committed perjury, prosecution panel says

Corona’s ‘day in court’

PerryScope
By Perry Diaz

Finally, Supreme Court Chief Justice Renato Corona had his day in court.  Accused of betrayal of public trust, and graft and corruption, and culpable violation of the Constitution, Corona was impeached by the House of Representatives and is now facing his accusers – eleven representatives of the people – before a Senate impeachment trial with the 23 senators sitting as judges.

Corona and his wife Cristina attended the first day of the trial to prove — as his chief defense counsel retired Supreme Court Justice Serafin Cuevas pronounced — that he is not hiding anything.  But as it turned out, Corona’s defense attorneys demanded that the list of 45 properties allegedly owned by the Coronas not be accepted in the trial.  If he was not really hiding anything, why would he object to the introduction of public information as evidence? [...]

Read the full story >>   Corona’s ‘day in court’

Will the senator-judges affirm Corona’s impeachment?

No Limitation
By Ted Laguatan

Formally, in this impeachment trial of Chief Justice Renato Corona, it is the Senators who will act as judges. However, in a very real way, the Filipino people will be the true judges.

In their minds, many Filipinos have already provided him a proper hearing. They read newspapers, watch TV, listen to the radio and engage in discussions. They know that Corona and the other Arroyo appointed Justices have repeatedly and blatantly conspired to protect the interests of the Arroyos as against those of the people – as indicated by their decisions. They don’t need the Senator-Judges to tell them basic facts that everybody knows.

Also, from their own or relatives’ and friends’ court experiences – they are deeply aware of how the “utang na loob”, “lagayan”, “pakikisama” and “tayo-tayo” cultural traits are widely ingrained in the judicial system – which coupled with plain greed – translate into corruption and all kinds of injustices.

The first three traits are self explanatory. “Tayo-tayo” stems from familial, political, school, fraternity or sorority ties.
(Perhaps more than anyone else, Filipino lawyers who engage in litigation wish that these distortions in the justice system were not so – but many are resigned to realities of which they believe they have no control. To win their cases, even if  [...]

Read the full story >>  Will the senator-judges affirm Corona’s impeachment?

The senators are also on trial

To the Point
By Emil Jurado
Manila Standard Today

In just three days of the biggest entertainment in town—the impeachment trial at the Senate of Chief Justice Renato Corona—the public is beginning to judge the mettle of the House of Representative prosecutors as against the defense panel of the Chief Justice.

As a lawyer and a journalist, I have met many people and have walked the corridors of power. I have covered all beats. Thus I would like to think I am a good judge of mettle. And outright, I can say that the House prosecutors pale in comparison to Corona’s defense panel,

The prosecutors boasted about a so-called smoking gun several days ago, but they were not able to produce it.

And imagine admitting that they were not prepared to tackle Article 1! The prosecutors said they were ready for Article 2 instead. And yet, when they were asked for evidence, all they could present were computer-generated copies of the 45 alleged properties of Corona.

Novatos all!

It is not difficult to predict the outcome of this trial. After all, it will not be the public who will determine the guilt or innocence [...]

Read the full story >>  The senators are also on trial

A crown of arrogant thorns

By Philip S. Chua, MD, FACS, FPCS
Chairman, Filipino United Network – USA

Philippines Chief Justice Renato Corona, last week, sounding arrogant and confrontational before his impeachment trial began, said on television that he was willing to “donate” all his (30 or 40+?) undeclared properties in question to the government.

With his righteous demeanor, I hope, for his reputation and integrity, the impeachment procedure will find him “not guilty,” which he has repeatedly claimed to be.

The law is clear that a thief who is proven guilty and decides under fire to return his loot to escape justice is still a criminal who deserves nothing but a jail term and disdain from society…and that stolen properties can not be used as a bargaining chip.

The appropriate law would be especially more Solomonic if the one who broke the law was a president or a chief magistrate, because, like all other public officials, both Gloria Arroyo and Corona MUST BE HELD, not to a HIGHER, but to the HIGHEST standard of law and justice. After all, they occupied the highest and most honorable positions [...]

Read the full story >>   A crown of arrogant thorns

Boo for bullies

Chasing Happy
By Adelle Chua
Manila Standard Today

It’s a relief, however small, to know that Congress was able to act on some legislative measures in recent days even as it appears to be preoccupied with impeaching the Chief Justice and other related events.

This month, the House of Representatives approved on third and final reading House Bill 5496 or the Anti-Bullying Act of 2012. It was endorsed for the approval of the plenary by Rep. Salvador Escudero, chairman of the House committee on basic education and culture.

While the anti-bullying measure may not have the same historic, monumental significance as the events taking place at the Senate these days, it could spell the difference between normalcy and hell for young people in schools.

We have heard reports of children in other countries committing suicide because they were being bullied. Some kids get [...]

Read the full story >>  Boo for bullies

Justice Delayed, Still Better than None

Telltale Signs
By Rodel E. Rodis

The families of Bubby Dacer and Emmanuel Corbito have been waiting for justice for more than 11 years since November 24, 2000 when operatives of the Presidential Anti-Organized Crime Task Force (PAOCTF), then under the command of Gen. Panfilo “Ping” Lacson, abducted, tortured and executed Dacer and Corbito. Their families may take comfort in the news this past week that a family that has waited even longer for some measure of justice finally found it when the new Ombudsman reversed the actions of her predecessors and filed charges against 10 Philippine Navy officers for the murder of Navy Ensign Philip Andrew Pestaño on September 27, 1995.

I first wrote about this case on December 10, 2007 (“Death of an Ensign”) after reading an account of it by Jesuit educator Fr. James Reuter (“Justice at 3 A.M.”). Pestano, an idealistic graduate of the Ateneo de Manila High School in 1989, entered the Philippine Military Academy (PMA), and graduated as an Ensign in the Philippine Navy in 1993, when he was then assigned as a cargo master on a Navy ship.

Sometime in 1995, Fr. Reuter wrote, Pestaño discovered that “the cargo being loaded onto his vessel included logs that were cut down illegally, were carried to the ship illegally, and were destined to be sold, illegally… Then there were 50 sacks of flour, which were not flour, but shabu (methamphetamine) – worth billions. Literally, billions … And there were military weapons which  [...]

Read the full story >>  Justice Delayed, Still Better than None

Pestaño appeared to healing priest

Human Face
By Ma. Ceres P. Doyo
Philippine Daily Inquirer

The Philippine Daily Inquirer’s Jan. 12 banner story: “Pestaño case not suicide but murder” (by Lelia B. Salaverria). The lead paragraph: “Agreeing with the parents of Navy Ensign Philip Pestaño that he did not kill himself 16 years ago, the Office of the Ombudsman reversed itself and filed murder charges against 10 Navy officers in the Sandiganbayan yesterday and ordered their dismissal for grave misconduct….

“The 24-year-old Pestaño was found dead in his cabin aboard the BRP Bacolod City on Sept. 27, 1995, shortly before the ship was to dock at the Philippine Navy headquarters in Manila. He had a bullet wound in the head.”

In 1995 I was assigned to explore the suicide angle while another reporter was to do the murder angle. I remember then Navy Capt. Alex Pama (now Navy commodore) come to the Inquirer to explain why it was suicide. After the story came out, a sister of Pestaño wrote to convince me to think otherwise even though the front page was quite balanced—two stories on two angles. I just happened to be assigned to do the suicide angle.

Yingluck a ‘good match’ for PNoy, Kris Aquino tweets

Chichi Conde
InterAksyon.com

 

MANILA, Philippines – President Benigno Aquino III’s sister Kris Aquino said visiting Thai Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra will be a “good match” for her 51-year-old bachelor brother.

The actress and multimedia endorser made her feelings known in a tweet after attending the luncheon hosted by the President for Yingluck at the Palace on Thursday.

Aquino said in her Twitter post: “Came from Malacanang. Lunch for Thai PM Shinawatra. She’s tall slim attractive! 44 yrs old, bagay for PNoy!” [...]

Read the full story >>  Yingluck a ‘good match’ for PNoy, Kris Aquino tweets

DISCLAIMER: Commentaries or articles may be submitted for publication. However, the commentaries and articles submitted by writers and readers for publication do not necessarily reflect the views of Global Balita and its Editor. The Editor does not knowingly publish false information and may not be held liable for the views of writers and readers exercising their right to free expression. Global Balita and its Editor reserve the right to reject any commentary or article submitted for publication.

‘SALN enough to convict Corona’

By Paolo Romero and Jess Diaz
The Philippine Star

MANILA, Philippines – Any discrepancy in Chief Justice Renato Corona’s statements of assets, liabilities and net worth (SALN) from 2002 to 2010 is enough to convince the Senate, convened as an impeachment court, to convict him, House prosecutors said yesterday.

The prosecutors also said that through Corona’s SALN, they would be able to prove that the Chief Justice had amassed ill-gotten wealth.

Prosecution panel spokesman Quezon Rep. Erin Tañada noted that every SALN ends with a sworn statement of the signatory attesting to the veracity and accuracy of the document.

“If there is a single or small discrepancy or any unexplainable item (in the SALN), the oath becomes useless. Even if he (Corona) gives away or returns his assets, the violation, the lie and the ruining of the trust of the people cannot be denied,” Tañada said in Filipino.

“If that is the case, he should not stay a second longer in his post,” he said. “How can he discharge his duties as chief justice if he himself violated his sworn statement in his SALN?” [...]

Read the full story >>  ‘SALN enough to convict Corona’

Corona’s SALNs: 2002 to 2010

Below are the Statement of Assets, Liabilities and Net worth of Chief Justice Renato Corona turned over by the Supreme Court Clerk of Court Enriqueta Vidal to the impeachment court on Wednesday. The documents show that his net worth went up from P14.9 million in 2002 to P22.9 million in 2010. Former President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo appointed him to the Supreme Court in 2002. She named him chief justice in 2010 [...]

Read the full story >>  Corona’s SALNs: 2002 to 2010

Democracy At Trial

GLIMPSES
By Jose Ma. Montelibano

It is not a circus, it is an impeachment trial. It is of utmost importance to the Filipino people that what is debatable should find clarity, if that which is debatable is crucial to societal well-being.

It is democracy in trial, no less. Philippine society now pays for the shortcomings of history. But more than a karmic consequence, what can happen is that the shortcomings will be addressed and substantially resolved.

Our democracy is a copy of the democracy that America understood and lived by – at the time political independence was granted to Filipinos last July 4, 1946. The elite of our society produced most of the Ilustrados who became part of Commonwealth governance, Filipinos who could speak Spanish and English, went to the best schools available at that time, and had the family fortune to sustain their political careers. Because the Americans really ruled the Philippines despite their liberal posture in allowing limited Filipino participation in governance, the democracy was taught by behavior, democracy American-style. It was at best a confusing expression of democracy as explained by the books, but yet was clear to a people who never read about democracy. To Filipinos, they were race native to the land but governed by Americans after three centuries of being governed by Spaniards. Monarchy and democracy had a strangely familiar taste to the native islanders.

My birthday wish: Hope in action

By Tony Meloto

Despite Sendong, GMA, Corona, Ampatuan and the Piolo/KC break-up, I’m amazed that 95% of Filipinos see 2012 as a year of great expectations. Undoubtedly, its more fun in the Philippines as I turn 62, where the outlook is positive and the mood is heroic.

Like today. I’m here in Iligan on my birthday with Gawad Kalinga heroes from all over Mindanao to help build homes and restore the lives of the victims of Sendong. This is hope in action.

Watching them, I can only say what a gift to be Filipino, living in the Philippines, surrounded by hope-builders and solution-seekers as we get closer to our dream of Filipinos ending poverty together by 2024.

OUR BRAND OF HOPE

The mood here contrasts with the pessimism in developed economies in the West that are going through recession, where many find it hard to cope in a bad economy as their hope is anchored mostly on money. Maybe this is the reason why I was invited to speak about our brand of hope at the public session of the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland next week.

ITS ABOUT THE GOOD

In the Philippines, our spirit is soaring not merely from wishful thinking but due to a real silver lining in the horizon – that the bad things from old habits and mind-sets are starting to challenge us to discover the good that we can do together and result in our stronger resolve and collective action never to allow them to happen again [...]

Read the full story >>  My birthday wish: Hope in action

Demeanor

BY AMADO P. MACASAET
MALAYA

‘Instead of humbling himself as an alleged victim of revenge, he fell for the bait of the administration to convert the trial into a public relations war.’

CHIEF Justice Renato Corona was heard on Tuesday morning TV program as saying “patayin muna nila ako” (they have to kill me). These words are typical of us Batanguenos when we are suspected to have done wrong, even if we indeed did wrong.

In fact to us, it is an impulsive way of admitting guilt. The message sent is the accused would rather die or be killed than admit guilt.

These worlds are heard among people in the streets, among the shirtless, among the drunks, among petty thieves. The words never come out of the mouths of people who value self-respect, people who are above others in terms of having had the opportunity to get higher education, particularly law.

Lawyers and other people worthy to be guests in a television show to clarify a sticky issue never use street language.

Only Chief Justice Corona did. He was referring to suggestions that he file a leave of absence while on trial. Or resign before [...]

Read the full story >>  Demeanor

Why do we impeach?

BY DUCKY PAREDES
MALAYA

‘Someone is impeached for one reason alone — for the good of the country and the civil society.’

THE impeachment of Chief Justice Renato Corona is not really about making him accountable for his partiality and bias for Gloria Arroyo, acceptance of his “midnight” appointment, and of late, amassing ill-gotten wealth consisting of more than P200 million in various real estate properties. It is about reforming the judiciary. Someone is impeached for one reason alone — for the good of the country and the civil society.

The impeachment complaint lists eight articles detailing his transgressions of the Constitution and even the Supreme Court’s own rules. But, what really maters is that this Chief Justice may well represent what is terribly, horribly wrong with the Philippine judiciary.

There are enough horror stories of prosecutors, judges and even justices on the take. Our problem of what Erap called “hoodlums in robes” is a real—and continuing—one, and if there are those who now staunchly defend Corona, it must be asked whether those who do so count themselves as pert of the solution or part of the problem.

Do those who insist on “judicial independence” mean the freedom of judges and justices to sell their decisions to whoever is buying? Why would it be wrong to bring down a Chief Justice who has been found wanting? [...]

Read the full story >>   Why do we impeach?

Betrayal of public trust: the framers’ intent

By Gerry Geronimo
Manila Standard Today

Seven of the eight articles of impeachment filed against Supreme Court Chief Justice Renato Corona cite “betrayal of public trust” as basis. What exactly is “betrayal of public trust”?

The 1935 Constitution, in Section 1 of its Article IX on Impeachment stated, as grounds for removal on impeachment, only “culpable violation of the constitution, treason, bribery, or other high crimes.” The 1973 Constitution, in Section 2 of its Article XIII on Accountability of Public Officers, added a fifth, namely, “graft and corruption.” “Betrayal of public trust” was the latest addition to the grounds that was effected by the 1987 Constitution (the current constitution) in Section 2 of its article on Accountability of Public Officers, renumbered as Article XI.

What makes a public office a “public trust” is not expressly explained anywhere in either the 1973 nor the 1987 constitutions. We can safely assume, however, that by the use of that venerable word “trust,” both constitutions were invoking the centuries-long principle of equity jurisdiction that makes the trustee a fiduciary, i.e. someone who has powers that he or she was bound to exercise not for his or her own sake and gain, but instead, in the interest of someone else. In the case of a public official, the indisputable assertion of the two constitutions is that he or she is a fiduciary of the people constituting the state. For that reason, Section 1 of the relevant articles of the 1973 and 1987 constitutions requires his or her compliance with a certain standard of demeanor, both in official acts as well as private behavior [...]

Read the full story >>  Betrayal of public trust: the framers’ intent

Corona used WB loan as personal piggy bank: Palace

By David Dizon
ABS-CBNNews.com

WB findings scandalous, shocking, says Lacierda

MANILA, Philippines – Malacañang on Wednesday castigated Chief Justice Renato Corona for misusing World Bank funds intended for judicial reforms for out-of-town trips and other unauthorized expenses.

In a statement, Presidential Spokesman Edwin Lacierda said that while Corona and Supreme Court spokesman Jose Midas Marquez plead ignorance, the World Bank aide memoire “is the surest evidence that funds meant for judicial reforms were wasted: and in the process, basic rules of good governance were ignored.”

“The findings are as scandalous as they are shocking. The Chief Justice used judicial reform funds as a personal piggy bank to fund travel, gifts, dining and recreation; the Court Administrator who reports directly to the Chief Justice violated basic government rules by being the proponent, approver, and head of bidding for his own proposed expenses and acquisitions,” Lacierda said.

The spokesman said he is wondering why Corona would order an investigation when the aide memoire discloses that Corona  [...]

Read the full story >>  Corona used WB loan as personal piggy bank: Palace

Which Side to Take?

Which Side to Take?
By Erick San Juan

Once again the country is in the wait and see mode for the next episode of the impeachment trial of the Supreme Court’s Chief Justice Corona. But this writer’s concern are the events that occurred prior to the scheduled impeachment day.

On the eve of the Feast of the Black Nazarene, a possible terror threat was announced by the President himself that according to Defense Secretary Voltaire Gazmin, the reliability of the intelligence report was so high.

After tracking down the possible terrorists’ hideouts in the metropolis and found nothing, the heightened alert was withdrawn. The fiesta ended peacefully. Although the terror alert stays.

But the fear sowed upon the populace was still there and for many who are taken for a ride still believes the synthetic terror warning.

Then the weekend after that, another rumor was floated that there was a threat upon the president’s security. So, what else is new? [...]

Read the full story >>   Which Side to Take?

This is a case of “justice delayed, justice denied.”  It took the Sandiganbayan 25 years to issue its ruling!  Once again, the victims of this miscarriage of justice are the Filipino people.  This ruling is the “smoking gun” evidence that the judicial system is broken and needs to be reformed if Philippine democracy is to survive. — PERRY DIAZ

Court junks P51-B suit vs Marcoses

By Michael Punongbayan
The Philippine Star

MANILA, Philippines – As the government prepared for month-long activities commemorating the 1986 people power revolt, the Sandiganbayan junked yesterday a P51-billion damage suit filed 25 years ago against deposed dictator Ferdinand Marcos, his widow Imelda, two other former officials, and several others accused of dollar salting.

In a 69-page decision, the anti-graft court’s Special Second Division cleared the Marcos couple, former trade minister Roberto Ongpin, former military chief Fabian Ver, and several other government and private individuals of involvement in the operations of the so-called “Binondo Central Bank,” which sold US dollars in the black market from 1984 to 1986.

The Sandiganbayan, in a ruling penned by Associate Justice Samuel Martires, cited the “absence of evidence” and said the Office of the Solicitor General (OSG) and the Presidential Commission on Good Government (PCGG) failed to prove that the Marcoses and their co-accused had enriched themselves by stealing government money.

The case, filed on July 23, 1987, held that the Marcoses and their officials conspired with private individuals – including eight Chinese businessmen who acted as operators, financiers, couriers and agents – in managing and operating the [...]

Read the full story >>  Court junks P51-B suit vs Marcoses

DISCLAIMER: Commentaries or articles may be submitted for publication. However, the commentaries and articles submitted by writers and readers for publication do not necessarily reflect the views of Global Balita and its Editor. The Editor does not knowingly publish false information and may not be held liable for the views of writers and readers exercising their right to free expression. Global Balita and its Editor reserve the right to reject any commentary or article submitted for publication.

Questions on Corona’s P11M cash advance

The impeachment prosecution team should delve into this seemingly anomalous transaction.  The questions are: Can a corporation operate and receive money after it ceased to exist?  Who is the ultimate recipient of Corona’s money that he paid to Basa-Guidote Corp., a corporation that is no longer in existent?   — PERRY DIAZ

‘Corona’s P11M cash advance came from unlicensed firm’

MANILA, Philippines – Chief Justice Renato Corona’s P11-million cash advance in 2003, which he supposedly used to pay for some of his condominium acquisitions, came from his wife’s family corporation that had “ceased to operate legally by 2007,” according to journalist and blogger Raissa Robles.

In her new blog entry uploaded on Sunday, Robles discovered from the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) that Mrs. Cristina Corona’s family corporation, Basa-Guidote Corp., which supposedly turned over an P11-million cash advance to Corona, was no longer legally operating in 2007, even though Corona was still supposedly making payments to the company until 2009.

Corona’s Statement of Assets, Liabilities and Net worth (SALN) were turned over to the impeachment court last Wednesday. Its contents have since been put under public scrutiny.

Robles said: “What he didn’t say in his SALN was that the lender company had its registration revoked by the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) in 2003, the same year he got his cash advance. What this means is that the company – Basa-Guidote Enterprises, Inc. – ceased to operate legally by 2007 or three years after revocation. The law gives a three-year grace period for revoked companies to wind up their affairs.”

Robles sought the opinion of legal experts about this and one lawyer, Prof. Rowena E.V. Daroy-Morales of the University of the Philippines College of Law, told her these facts raise the question of whether the parties involved in the P11-million cash advance were paying the corresponding taxes required under the law [...]

Read the full story >>  Questions on Corona’s P11M cash advance

Prosecutors vow to present ‘explosive witnesses’

Source: abs-cbnNEWS.com

BIR expected to present Corona’s income tax returns

MANILA, Philippines (UPDATED) – House prosecutors have between 50 to 60 witnesses against Chief Justice Renato Corona in his impeachment trial in the Senate, according to lawmakers who want him removed from office.

Prosecution panel head Rep. Niel Tupas Jr. said on Friday that they have “explosive witnesses” and more evidence to show against Corona.

“May mga article kaming ipre-present na talagang hindi namin dinesclose sa publiko purposely at doon lang sa impeachment [trial] malalaman,” he said.

The House prosecution team is hoping to finish its presentation of evidence and witnesses on Article 2 of the impeachment complaint by next week.

Tupas said they are eyeing some 15 to 20 more witnesses to back their case on Corona’s alleged failure to disclose his statements of assets, liabilities and net worth (SALN).

He said they have have already established that Corona did not declare some properties and that those declared were undervalued.

Tupas revealed that their next step is to show that these properties are ill-gotten [...]

Read the full story >>  Prosecutors vow to present ‘explosive witnesses’

‘I have never amassed ill-gotten wealth’

By Rey E. Requejo
Manila Standard Today

CHIEF Justice Renato Corona on Friday rejected insinuations that he had acquired assets through illegal means and put them under his wife’s and children’s names.

It would have been “careless and stupid” of him to do so, he said.

House prosecutors had claimed earlier this week that Corona failed to declare all his property in his statement of assets, liabilities and net worth. They presented several witnesses who claimed he owned pieces of property in Taguig City and Quezon City.

Among those who took the witness stand to provide the documents of Corona’s supposed real estate assets were register of deeds Sedfrey Garcia of Marikina, Carlo Alcantara of Quezon City, Randy Rutaquiao of Taguig, and Constante Caluya Jr. of Makati.

The prosecutors claimed that the documents were for property that Corona had acquired illegally, a claim he denied.

During the impeachment hearing Thursday, Corona’s counsel, retired Justice Serafin Cuevas, questioned the relevance of the land titles to Article 2 of the impeachment complaint, which accuses Corona of failing to file  [...]

Read the full story >>   ‘I have never amassed ill-gotten wealth’

JPE’s ‘corona de gloria’

BABE’S EYE VIEW
By Babe Romualdez
The Philippine Star

For a man who will be turning 88 this February 14, Juan Ponce Enrile is unquestionably at the highest point of his political career. JPE, as the Senate President is popularly known, is a man whose life has turned around so many times, and during the course of his colorful and storied career, he has proven to be the quintessential survivor — bouncing back just when it seemed it was over.

Most everyone is now familiar with the story of Juanito Furugganan — the boy from Cagayan who worked as a houseboy to put himself through school. The war brought him face to face with the father he had never known and gave him the name — Juan Ponce Enrile — that would figure prominently during critical moments in our nation’s history. The barrio kid’s circumstance was practically reversed, his formidable intellect coming to the fore when he graduated cum laude from Ateneo and obtained a law degree in UP as 1953 class salutatorian.

Manong Johnny, as many of us fondly call him, got a 91.7 percent rating for the 1954 bar exams with a perfect score of 100 percent in Commercial Law. He distinguished himself as a corporate and litigation lawyer, and began his career in government as Finance Undersecretary in 1966, followed by a stint as Customs Commissioner in 1968. He became Justice Secretary in 1970 and was eventually appointed as Secretary of National Defense — a post he held [...]

Read the full story >>   JPE’s ‘corona de gloria’

Probe set on SC loan misuse

By Jess Diaz
The Philippine Star

MANILA, Philippines – The House of Representatives will conduct its own inquiry into alleged irregularities in the Supreme Court’s use of a $21.9-million loan from the World Bank.

Majority Leader Neptali Gonzales II said at least two resolutions calling for the inquiry would be included in the order of business for this week.

“We will refer these to the committee on good government, which we will ask to start the inquiry as soon as possible,” he said.

Eastern Samar Rep. Ben Evardone filed the first resolution, while Bayan Muna Representatives Teddy Casiño and Neri Colmenares authored the second.

Sen. Franklin Drilon, who chairs the Senate finance committee, also wanted a Senate inquiry, but shelved his proposal in view of the impeachment trial of Chief Justice Renato Corona.

Evardone, a former journalist, said the House has to conduct an inquiry since “it is the House that appropriates loan payments [...]

Read the full story >>  Probe set on SC loan misuse

Corona personally met with WB officials, bank documents show

Read the SC expenses rejected by the WB

My Exclusive by Raissa Robles
http://raissarobles.com/2012/01/17/chief-justice-corona-personally-met-with-world-bank-officials-bank-documents-show/

Last Monday January 16, Chief Justice Renato Corona denounced as “a huge lie” a leaked World Bank report stating that the WB had rejected the charging of plane fares, dinners, hotel expenses incurred under CJ Corona’s watch. These expenses amounting to US$199,900 were charged against a US$21.9 million WB loan to fund a project for speeding up justice and “enhancing institutional integrity.”

CJ Corona very categorically said:

This (alleged diversion of funds) happened before I became Chief Justice. I was not responsible for this. This happened a decade ago and I have been Chief Justice for just a year and a half.

However, the 97 pages of documents prepared by the WB – which I have obtained – shows that the questionable diversion of funds from the Judicial Reform Support Project (JRSP) took place only last year. The documents – consisting of an Aide Memoire and Annexes – detail the expenses for which the WB demanded reimbursement because these were not in line with the justice project.

Gatdula vows to fight back

By Sandy Araneta
The Philippine Star

MANILA, Philippines – Former police general Magtanggol Gatdula vowed to fight back to clear his name of the allegations of kidnapping and extortion that led to his relief as director of the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI).

“I want my name, my reputation to be cleared. It may be a long fight but I have to protect my name, which I have protected through my 40 years in public service. I will fight back,” Gatdula said over GMA-7 late Friday.

Gatdula also spoke on ABS-CBN regarding his relief as NBI chief.

“When the President lost trust and confidence, that’s my signal to go out,” Gatdula said.

Gatdula said he had accepted the order of relief from the President but stressed he could not accept his person being maligned by the allegations.

Gatdula claimed he was not even given a chance to air his side.

“I kept my silence these past few days when my reported removal started coming out in the media. I filed my leave of absence precisely to give them a free hand to investigate. But they trampled on the rule of law. Where is the rule of law when I was not even given a chance to face my accusers?” [...]

Read the full story >>  Gatdula vows to fight back

Gov’t set to appeal Marcos case ruling

By Aurea Calica and Czeriza Valencia
The Philippine Star

MANILA, Philippines – The government will appeal the Sandiganbayan dismissal of the P51-billion damage suit against the late President Ferdinand Marcos, his widow Imelda, and several others.

Solicitor General Jose Anselmo Cadiz said that the anti-graft court seemed oblivious to the political reality during martial law in deciding to clear the Marcoses, several officials of his administration and some businessmen of liability.

“We should appeal this,” Cadiz said, noting that the justices who came out with the ruling were the same ones who upheld the plea bargaining agreement between the special prosecutors of the Office of the Ombudsman and dismissed military comptroller and accused plunderer Carlos Garcia.

He said he would coordinate with the Presidential Commission on Good Government (PCGG) on the action to be taken once they receive their copies of the decision.

In a 69-page ruling, the anti-graft court’s Special Second Division cleared the Marcos couple, former trade minister Roberto Ongpin, former military chief Fabian Ver, and several other government and private individuals of involvement in the operations of the so-called “Binondo Central Bank,” which sold US dollars in the black market from 1984 to 1986 [...]

Read the full story >>  Gov’t set to appeal Marcos case ruling

Is it DOJ or ES?

BY AMADO P. MACASAET
MALAYA

‘Bautista cannot claim he is a representative of the PCGG because the sequestration of POTC has been lifted.’

LONG before Executive Secretary Paquito Ochoa dreamed of it, the supervision of the Presidential Commission on Good Government was transferred from the Office of the President to the Department of Justice.

The 35 percent ownership by the state of Philippine Overseas Telecommunications Corp. (POTC) was transferred to the Department of Finance for privatization.

Simple logic should have made Andy Bautista, chairman of the PCGG who is aspiring to become Solicitor General, understand that the government representation in the board of POTC and its wholly-owned subsidiaries should be nominated by the Department of Finance to which the shares of the state were transferred.

If the DoF names Bautista, chairman of PCGG, and elected to the board by the 35 percent interest of the state, that should be it. He is a duly elected member of the board, not a representative of the PCGG.

But then Executive Secretary Paquito Ochoa issued Executive Order No. 42 allowing the nominees of the state in POTC and its subsidiaries to name or nominate their replacements who could very well be nobody else but themselves. Bautista refuses  [...]

Read the full story >>  Is it DOJ or ES?

Impeachment, China, Spratlys, and ‘Pilipinas’ (First of Two Parts)

Empowering the Filipino People
By FIDEL V. RAMOS Former Philippine President
Manila Bulletin

MANILA, Philippines — We are at a crucial period of Philippine nation-building. In the center of events is the impeachment of Supreme Court Chief Justice Renato Corona by the Senate (as Impeachment Tribunal) upon the filing of 8 Articles of Impeachment approved by the House of Representatives.

To concerned Filipinos and interested foreign onlookers, however, all three branches of Government – the Executive, Congress, and Judiciary which are separate, but co-equal and coordinate – are considered active protagonists in this titanic exercise which must be decided on the basis of “the merits” and the rule of law, in accordance with the Constitution. The future character of our nation and the welfare of our people ride on the impeachment results.

Both prosecution and defense, and especially the Senate Court, have expressed common hopes that the entire proceedings will be completed with impartiality, and final judgment delivered as expeditiously as possible.

Clearly, such is also the citizenry’s larger interest for a just but transforming outcome, considering the impact of the ultimate decision on many other grave problems facing the Filipino people today. Filipinos aspire for a better future under the blessings of God, and a more inclusive, more representative, more peaceful, more prosperous, and truly  [...]

Read the full story >>  Impeachment, China, Spratlys, and ‘Pilipinas’ (First of Two Parts)

DISCLAIMER: Commentaries or articles may be submitted for publication. However, the commentaries and articles submitted by writers and readers for publication do not necessarily reflect the views of Global Balita and its Editor. The Editor does not knowingly publish false information and may not be held liable for the views of writers and readers exercising their right to free expression. Global Balita and its Editor reserve the right to reject any commentary or article submitted for publication.

By Cathy C. Yamsuan
Philippine Daily Inquirer

Lauro Vizconde has decided to appear in the impeachment trial of Chief Justice Renato Corona to discuss the details of a private meeting with him in September 2010.

Vizconde, 74, said that during this meeting Corona told him about the alleged efforts of Senior Associate Justice Antonio Carpio to pressure (binabraso) colleagues to vote for the acquittal of Hubert Webb, son of former Senator Freddie Webb.

The younger Webb had spent 15 years in prison awaiting the final ruling of the high tribunal in connection with the rape of Vizconde’s daughter, Carmela, who was later murdered, along with her younger sister and mother in their Parañaque City home on July 31, 1991, in which he was the principal accused.

Vizconde said he had spent the past two weeks agonizing on whether to testify against Corona whose revelation to him in that private meeting was cited as one of the grounds in Article 3 of the impeachment complaint against the chief magistrate for betrayal of public trust and culpable violation of the Constitution.

Prosecutors said the disclosure constituted a “serious breach of the rule of confidentiality” on cases pending in the high tribunal.

“I really don’t want to testify because of utang na loob (debt of gratitude) because the Chief Justice had accommodated me [...]

Judge Drilon

BY AMADO P. MACASAET
MALAYA

‘If nobody objects to the presentation of evidence to the senator judges who may not all understand the meaning of a piece of document, the presiding officer may have a duty to explain it, or have it thrown out if it is not relevant to the case.’

SEN. Frank Drilon, acting as one of 24 judges in the impeachment court, should feel entirely indifferent to media reports that he should inhibit himself for alleged bias. He and his fellow judges, Kiko Pangilinan and Peter Cayetano, did not show any bias at all.

Frank did a judge duty by helping the court understand what was happening. That is not objectionable.

Drilon merely assisted a lawyer presenting evidence to the court. He was trying to make the court understand what was happening when a piece of evidence is presented. That is for the edification if not for the education – without hinting at insult – to other judges.

I guess what is patently objectionable and should be sustained by the presiding officer of the court is when a judge himself presents a piece of evidence for the accused or for the complainants [...]

Read the full story >>   Judge Drilon

Drilon attack exposes defense desperation

AS I WRECK THIS CHAIR
By William M. Esposo
The Philippine Star

The defense panel in the impeachment trial of Supreme Court (SC) Chief Justice (CJ) Renato Corona must be getting desperate already. On the surface, the less seasoned prosecution panel appears to be overwhelmed by their more senior counterparts, led by no less than former SC Justice Serafin Cuevas. However, the examination of what each side has accomplished, and failed to accomplish thus far, would tell another tale.

The move of defense panel lawyer Jose Roy III to charge Senator-Judge Franklin Drilon of “lawyering” for the prosecution, which was later escalated to a call by the defense panel for Drilon to inhibit, is a tell tale sign of desperation in the ranks of the defense lawyers. Presiding officer, Senate President Juan Ponce-Enrile (JPE), has debunked Roy’s assertion and reiterated the right of Senator-Judges to seek information and clarification at any time during the trial. The defense conveniently forgets that the objective of the trial is to simply know the truth.

Roy’s interest conditions him to perceive any act by Senator-Judge Drilon as partial if it helps the prosecutors. Former senator Kit Tatad is similarly disposed. Tatad had earlier ventilated views against the impeachment move. In the case of Roy, he would [...]

Read the full story >>  Drilon attack exposes defense desperation

Is the Defense in trouble?

BY DUCKY PAREDES
MALAYA

‘What can we do if the partiality has already been exhibited to the detriment of our client? When will be the proper time for us to do it?’

DEFENSE lawyer Ramon Esguerra, at this early stage, already says that it’s “Do or Die” when they seek the inhibition of Senator Franklin Drilon, a fellow member of President Benigno Aquino III in the Liberal Party.

“What can we do if the partiality has already been exhibited to the detriment of our client? When will be the proper time for us to do it?”

Is this a case of the “pot calling the kettle black”? After all, isn’t that precisely PNoy’s problem with the Chief Justice and the rest of the Gloria 12?

Drilon, a lawyer, seems to have done favors for the congressmen-prosecutors and their private counsels by eliciting from the witnesses what the prosecution seemed unable to do in the direct examination of their own witnesses.

Drilon asked Enriqueta Esguerra-Vidal, clerk of court of the Supreme Court, whether she followed what the subpoena of the impeachment court ordered her to do; she replied that, yes, she brought with her Corona’s  [...]

Read the full story >>  Is the Defense in trouble?

Palace: Tax returns needed on CJ wealth

By Aurea Calica
The Philippine Star

MANILA, Philippines – The income tax returns (ITR) of Chief Justice Renato Corona will “connect the dots” on his alleged unexplained wealth, a Malacañang official said yesterday.

It is not yet clear if President Aquino will allow the release or presentation of the ITRs to the Senate impeachment court by Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) chief Kim Henares.

Corona’s camp said the ITRs are irrelevant and that they can only be released upon the approval of Aquino, who makes no secret of his disdain for the Chief Justice.

Supporters of the Chief Justice said they were saddened by the prosecution’s move to link the issue of Corona’s alleged illegally acquired wealth to the non-disclosure of his statement of assets, liabilities and net worth (SALN) as discussed in Article 2 of the eight Articles of Impeachment. Defense lawyer Tranquil Salvador III argued that the issue of the release of Corona’s tax records is not within the ambit of Article 2.

But presidential spokesman Edwin Lacierda said the ITRs were needed considering the discrepancies between the SALN of Corona and his actual list of registered properties [...]

Read the full story >>  Palace: Tax returns needed on CJ wealth

Aquino wants next NBI chief to be ‘tough and clean’

BY AMITA O. LEGASPI
GMA News

President Benigno Aquino III wants somebody who is “tough and clean” to replace sacked National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) chief Magtanggol Gatdula, who was embroiled in a kidnapping case.

“Ang utos kay [Justice] Secretary Leila de Lima ay maghanap ng isang NBI chief na tough and clean,” presidential spokesperson Edwin Lacierda said at a press briefing in Malacañang on Monday.

The NBI is under the supervision of the Department of Justice (DOJ). De Lima has yet to recommend someone for the NBI chief position to the President.

Aquino sacked Gatdula after the official was implicated in the alleged kidnapping and extortion on an undocumented Japanese national arrested by the bureau. A DOJ fact finding panel also recommended the filing of criminal and administrative charges against Gatdula and the other NBI officers involved.

Gain respect

Lacierda said the next NBI chief should be tough “because it’s an organization that would deal with criminal elements and you have to gain the respect of people within and outside the organization [...]

Read the full story >>  Aquino wants next NBI chief to be ‘tough and clean’

Mike now pointing to poor, sick brod

GOTCHA
By Jarius Bondoc
The Philippine Star

Two National Police generals reportedly are being considered to replace sacked NBI director Magtanggol Gatdula. Huh, pulis na naman?

Neither of the two nominees, one retired, the other in active duty, were able to curb the rash of murders by gunmen riding motorcycles in tandem. Gun-for-hire has been thriving of late as a cottage industry. Every week someone is shot dead in the same modus operandi. Two gunmen on a motorbike would approach, fire at close range, then flee. A moneylender, a two-timing lover, an insolent co-worker: some of the victims are not even big shots but ordinary folk who happened to have earned someone’s ire. The hired killers are everywhere; from reports, they fetch as low as P20,000 per contract. Likely they were once petty thieves who grabbed handbags or mobile phones from pedestrians, but have graduated to the “big-time.”

Police precinct blotters show a surge in street crimes involving R-I-T (riding in tandem) in the past two years. At least 1,700 incidents were reported last year, with 2,089 victims. In 2010 it was 1,565 incidents, with 1,819 victims. And that’s only from citizens who bothered to file reports; most crime victims don’t, because of the hassle.

If police generals cannot stop the crime wave, can they be trusted to lead the NBI in busting big-time syndicates? [...]

Read the full story >>  Mike now pointing to poor, sick brod

Pacman to Floyd: Take it or leave it

By Abac Cordero
The Philippine Star

MANILA, Philippines – Manny Pacquiao won’t take anything less than 50 percent even if it means the sudden death of the latest talks of a superfight with Floyd Mayweather Jr.

“That’s it. That’s the best offer from Manny,” said the Filipino boxer’s lawyer, Franklin Gacal.

“If Floyd says no, then fight someone else. I don’t think Manny will agree to anything less than 50 percent,” said the lawyer from General Santos City.

Pacquiao said a few days ago he spoke to Mayweather on the phone and said they can do the fight if there’s a 50-50 split of the purse.

Mayweather said it’s not going to happen that way.

Gacal did not say who that “someone else” is but signs point to  [...]

Read the full story >>  Pacman to Floyd: Take it or leave it

Battle for control of Asia’s seas goes underwater

Associated Press

It’s getting a bit more crowded under the sea in Asia, where Andrew Peterson commands one of the world’s mightiest weapons: a $2 billion nuclear submarine with unrivaled stealth and missiles that can devastate targets hundreds of miles (kilometers) away.

Super high-tech submarines like Cmdr. Peterson’s USS Oklahoma City have long been the envy of navies all over the globe _ and a key component of U.S. military strategy.

“We really have no peer,” Peterson told The Associated Press during a recent port call in Japan [...]

Read the full story >>  Battle for control of Asia’s seas goes underwater

China’s new mega catamaran style aircraft carrier 

DISCLAIMER: Commentaries or articles may be submitted for publication. However, the commentaries and articles submitted by writers and readers for publication do not necessarily reflect the views of Global Balita and its Editor. The Editor does not knowingly publish false information and may not be held liable for the views of writers and readers exercising their right to free expression. Global Balita and its Editor reserve the right to reject any commentary or article submitted for publication.

Gaps between Corona’s SALN and land records

By LALA ORDENES-CASCOLAN
VERA FILES

CHIEF Justice Renato Corona, impeached for failure to disclose to the public his statement of assets, liabilities and net worth (SALN), among others, has three condominium units and three other real properties in Marikina, Taguig and Quezon City registered to him, his wife Ma. Cristina, and to both of them as co-owners.

Of these, the chief magistrate failed to declare a 631.6-sq. m. lot in Quezon City he bought in 1995; a Marikina property—seven parcels of land covered by seven TCTs—was declared in his 1992 SALN and was no longer mentioned since; and a 113.02-sq. m. condominium in Bonifacio Ridge in Taguig, acquired in 2004, was not declared until 2010. A 62.7-sq. m. condo, acquired by installment in 1997, was declared only in 2003.

The titles to the properties were submitted on Thursday by the registers of deeds of the three cities to the Senate in compliance with the subpoena issued by the chamber, which is sitting as impeachment court and trying Corona on allegations of culpable violation of the Constitution, betrayal of public trust, and graft and corruption.

Three other properties owned by the chief justice’s daughters were also presented in court, two in the name of “Constantino Castillo III, married to Ma. Carla C. Castillo,� and one in the name of  Charina Corona [...]

Read the full story >>  Gaps between Corona’s SALN and land records

Miriam: Learn from Erap trial and let public see evidence

“If there is doubt, admit the evidence. That is what the people ruled during the Estrada impeachment trial,� she said during Tuesday’s lackluster proceedings.

Santiago made the remarks as the defense panel sought to stop the admission of evidence that would pin down Corona for his alleged failure to publicly disclose his Statement of Assets, Liabilities and Net Worth (SALN) and for supposedly amassing “ill-gotten wealth� during his tenure at the Supreme Court. His SALNs and titles to various properties in Metro Manila were eventually unearthed during the trial last week.

Appointed by former president Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo as Chief Justice just a few weeks before she stepped down from office, is facing charges of culpable violation of the Constitution, graft and corruption, and betrayal of public trust in the impeachment court. He was impeached by the House of Representatives last month [...]

Read the full story >>   Miriam: Learn from Erap trial and let public see evidence

Henares slated to bare Corona ITRs this week

By Cynthia D. Balana
Philippine Daily Inquirer

Upon the request of the House prosecution team, the Senate has directed Commissioner Kim Jacinto-Henares of the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) and at least six others to appear this week at the impeachment trial of Chief Justice Renato Corona.

The prosecution will present Henares who was subpoenaed to bring the original and certified true copies of the annual income tax returns (ITRs) of Corona (from 1992 to 2010), his wife Cristina (from 1992 to 2010), his daughter Carla (2000-2010), his son-in-law Constantino Castillo (2000-2010), his son Francis (2005-2010) and his other daughter Charina (2005-2010).

Also scheduled to testify this week are the following [...]

Read the full story >>  Henares slated to bare Corona ITRs this week

Prosecutors told: Read Corona’s ruling on Marcos ill-gotten wealth

MANILA, Philippines – When prosecutors submit their position paper on issues surrounding Chief Justice Renato Corona’s alleged ill-gotten wealth, there’s one document they can cite in their favor: Corona’s own decision on the case of the Marcos ill-gotten wealth which resulted in the forfeiture to the Philippine treasury of money hidden in Swiss banks.

In her latest blog entry, journalist and blogger Raissa Robles said prosecutors might not know that they can use Corona’s own decision on the Marcos ill-gotten wealth to prove their case.

Robles said Corona’s “landmark decision on July 15, 2003″ on the Marcos wealth stashed in Swiss banks made the following points:

“He said the burden of proof lies with the person being accused of having amassed such wealth.

“He also said the court should disregard technicalities thrown by the defendant’s side [...]

Read the full story >>  Prosecutors told: Read Corona’s ruling on Marcos ill-gotten wealth

Judges not allowed to talk to litigants

BY AMADO P. MACASAET
MALAYA

‘The Chief Justice, to my mind, has gone out of his way to show everybody that he is unfit to sit as Chief Justice.’

NOT being a lawyer, I would not know what the Judicial Code of Ethics (or is it Conduct?) says about judges privately talking to litigants. What I do know is that Chief Justice Renato Corona talked privately to Lauro Vizconde regarding the appeal of Hubert Webb and his friends on their convictions for the alleged murder of Vizconde’s two daughters and a house help.

Vizconde was in grief when the Supreme Court in the pen of Senior Associate Justice Antonio T. Carpio acquitted the suspects. The state cannot appeal a criminal acquittal. Otherwise the respondents will be tried twice for the same offense. Double jeopardy is not allowed by the Constitution and the laws.

What has this got to do with the impeachment trial of the Chief Justice? [...]

Read the full story >>  Judges not allowed to talk to litigants

SC affirms government reconveyance of coco levy funds

By Edu Punay
The Philippine Star

MANILA, Philippines – The Supreme Court (SC) has upheld government’s re-conveyance of the 24 percent block of shares or a total of 753.8 million shares in San Miguel Corp. (SMC) acquired through coconut levy funds and registered in the names of the Coconut Industry Investment Fund (CIIF) and its holding companies.

Voting unanimously in full-court session yesterday, magistrates of the high court affirmed the 2004 decision of the Sandiganbayan that had found the subject shares to be ill-gotten during the time of the late strongman Ferdinand Marcos.

The Presidential Commission on Good Government (PCGG) hailed the ruling. In a statement, PCGG chair Andres Bautista said, “Finally a measure of justice has been dealt to the long-suffering Filipino coconut farmer. The new PCGG is committed to ensuring that the monies that represent these shares should now be used to alleviate his plight and rehabilitate the coconut industry.�

The SC ruling penned by Justice Presbitero Velasco Jr., which was not yet released to media yesterday pending completion of signatures of the justices, held that the CIIF shares in SMC valued at about P50 billion to P100 billion should be used for  [...]

Read the full story >>   SC affirms government reconveyance of coco levy funds

JDV talks of GMA role in NBN-ZTE

BY PETER TABINGO
MALAYA

Former Speaker and Pangasinan Rep. Jose de Venecia Jr. testified yesterday at the Sandiganbayan Fourth Division that he joined President Gloria Arroyo, her husband Mike and former Comelec chair Benjamin Abalos Sr. on a visit to the corporate headquarters of ZTE Corp., in Shenzen, China in November 2006 where they dined and played golf with the company’s officials.

De Venecia’s testimony was part of the prosecution’s evidence in the graft trial of Abalos for his alleged unlawful intervention in the overpriced $329 million NBN-ZTE contract.

Under direct examination by Assistant Special Prosecutor Jacinto dela Cruz Jr., De Venecia told the graft court that he received a surprise invitation from Arroyo to play golf while he and his wife Gina were vacationing in Hong Kong during the Halloween break of 2006.

“I didn’t ask where. I thought it was nearby. It was already when we were on the road that she said we were going to Shenzen,� De Venecia said.

He said he joined the Arroyos and Abalos for breakfast at the golf clubhouse and some Chinese personalities that he later  [...]

Read the full story >>   JDV talks of GMA role in NBN-ZTE

Plunder sought vs Arroyo, Uriarte over PCSO scam

By Angie M. Rosales
The Daily Tribune

The Senate blue ribbon committee has recommended the filing of plunder cases against former President Gloria Arroyo and former Philippine Charity Sweeps-takes Office (PCSO) general manager Rosario Uriarte for the misuse of some P244.5 million of the lotto agency’s intelligence funds, Sen. Teofisto Guingona III, chair-man of the Senate body, said.

Additionally, Arroyo and Uriarte should likewise be charged with technical malversation for using confidential or intelligence funds as “blood money� for two overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) sentenced to death in Kuwait, Guingona said.

The Senate committee report, at the same time, did not find any violation of the Constitution in the donations of vehicles to various Catholic priests since the donation was for a public, and not a religious, purpose and that these were not for the personal use of any religious leader.

While they were public officers, Arroyo and Uriarte teamed up to rob PCSO of at least P244.5 million.

“Arroyo made mere marginal notes and caused the release of millions of pesos to her partner, Uriarte who was in charge [...]

Read the full story >>  Plunder sought vs Arroyo, Uriarte over PCSO scam

‘Downsizing, not closing’

BY REY O. ARCILLA
MALAYA

‘An effective way to save on resources is to downsize and to appoint effective and efficient personnel.’

FOREIGN Secretary Albert “Amboy� del Rosario recently bared plans to close several diplomatic and consular offices abroad to “rationalize foreign service posts� and to effect savings.

Those reportedly to be closed include the embassies in Sweden, Finland, Hungary, Romania, Ireland, Palau and Venezuela and the consulates general in Saipan, Barcelona and Frankfurt.

A group of dedicated and concerned DFA foreign service officers has the following to say about the projected closures:

“It is true that there was a circular regarding “Rationalization of Foreign Service Posts� dated 30 March 2011 signed by Undersecretary Rafael Seguis instructing 59 posts to submit a two-page justification paper for their existence, focusing on  [...]

Read the full story >>   ‘Downsizing, not closing’

Comelec wants GMA transferred to regular jail

By Pat C. Santos
The Daily Tribune

The Commission on Elections (Comelec) has asked, through a motion, the Pasay Regional Trial Court (RTC) to order the transfer of the detained former President, Rep. Gloria Arroyo, to a regular detention facility, which would be the Pasay City Jail.

The former President is currently detained under medical arrest at the Veterans Memorial Medical Center (VMMC) in Quezon City.

Comelec spokesman James Jimenez revealed that the petition was included in a three page motion at the sala of RTC 112 Judge Jesus Mupas where it asked the VMMC officials and doctors to explain why the former president should still remain in the hospital.

It will be recalled that on Dec. 9, 2011, the court had ordered the transfer of Arroyo from the St. Lukes Medical Hospital in Taguig City to VMMC in Quezon City.

Arroyo was ordered arrested through the strength of a warrant of arrest with no bail granted by Pasay Judge Mupas for electoral sabotage where stands accused of alleged massive fraud during  [...]

Read the full story >>  Comelec wants GMA transferred to regular jail

DISCLAIMER: Commentaries or articles may be submitted for publication. However, the commentaries and articles submitted by writers and readers for publication do not necessarily reflect the views of Global Balita and its Editor. The Editor does not knowingly publish false information and may not be held liable for the views of writers and readers exercising their right to free expression. Global Balita and its Editor reserve the right to reject any commentary or article submitted for publication.

Dismantling Coronarroyo, A Conspiracy of Millions

Akbayan Rep. Kaka Bag-ao’s Speech on the Occasion of Akbayan Party’s 14th Year Anniversary Celebration, 23 January 2012, Pugad Lawin Hall, Quezon City Sports Club, Quezon City

Distinguished and honored guests, friends of Akbayan, my party-mates in Akbayan Kung Hei Fat Choi!

I welcome this invitation to speak before you today as a refreshing break from the intense preparation sessions of our team of lawyers for the prosecution of Articles 3 and 4 of the Articles of Impeachment. Sa totoo lang po ako’y medyo kinakabahan sa bigat ng hamon sa akin at sa laki ng expectations ng mga mamamayan sa aming mga prosecutors sa impeachment trial ni Chief Justice Renato Corona. But since I do not see the now-familiar faces of the Defense Panel – Former Justice Serafin Cuevas, my former teacher Atty. Jack Jimenez in the hall, I do not expect to be interrupted by any objection, technical or otherwise.

Also, before I begin to discuss some serious stuff, I would like to take this opportunity to correct the misimpression being peddled by a certain Professional Heckler. Ang suot ko noong opening ng Impeachment trial ay hindi galling sa alin man branch ng SM. Yan ay isang kasinungalingan. At kung kailangan kong ipa-subpoena sa witness stand si Manay Gina de Venecia at ang iba pang miyembro ng Association of Lady Legislators upang patunayan ito ay gagawin ko. At bago pa man makapag-object si Congressman Walden Bello, na hindi nabigyan ng terno, ay itutuloy ko na po ang aking speech.

The year 2011 will be remembered as the year of reckoning against the corrupt past of Gloria Macapagal Arroyo. “Taon ng pagsingil ng mga mamamayan sa siyam na taong pandarambong at katiwalian ng mga Arroyo.”

We began the year 2011 with a full-court press to dismantle the first line of defense cleverly and maliciously put in place by former president Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, by impeaching her appointed Ombudsman Merceditas Gutierrez. Merci and her cabal single-handedly frustrated all attempts to make GMA accountable to the various graft and corruption charges against her. It took [...]

Read the full story >>  Dismantling Coronarroyo, A Conspiracy of Millions

Movement 188 says Corona camp in ‘panic mode’

By Lilybeth G. Ison
Zamboanga Today

A newly-formed potent bloc in the House of Representatives comprising the 188 signatories to the resolution impeaching Supreme Court Chief Justice Renato Corona said on Sunday the chief magistrate’s camp is in “panic mode” with barely a week into the Senate trial, owing to the prevalence this early of evidence buttressing the prosecution panel’s charges that he had allegedly amassed ill-gotten wealth — and was thus no longer morally fit to serve at the helm of the High Tribunal.

The Movement 188 said the surfeit of diversionary moves and scare tactics mounted by the Corona camp and its allies at the end of Week 1 of the impeachment trial show that they are “already running scared” and hell-bent on preventing the whole truth from coming out, more so now when the 11-member team of House prosecutors is set to present more official and authentic documents and more reliable witnesses in the second week of the impeachment trial proving that the beleaguered chief justice had misdeclared and/or underdeclared his assets in his Statements of Assets, Liabilities and Net Worth (SALNs).

Among these latest dilatory and scare ploys, they said, are the plans by the Corona camp and its allies to put the Senate Impeachment Court in a “straitjacket” by asking the Supreme Court to make certain senator-judges inhibit from the trial.

The group also alleged that the Corona camp is set to file an urgent motion for a temporary restraining order (TRO) for the Supreme Court to stop the Senate from proceeding with the trial.

Movement 188 stalwarts belonging to the various majority-coalition parties include [...]

Read the full story >>  Movement 188 says Corona camp in ‘panic mode’

Day 7: Highlights of Corona impeachment trial at the Senate

Call to order

• The trial resumed at 2:03 p.m. Thursday.

Presumption of ‘unexplained wealth’ more relevant to trial

• Senator-judge Miriam Defensor-Santiago asked the House prosecution panel whether Chief Justice Renato Corona was being charged under the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act.
• Private prosecutor Arthur Lim answered in the affirmative, saying the prosecution was accusing Corona of violating paragraphs (c), (e), and (f) of Section 3 of the law.
• However, Santiago said these provisions were irrelevant to Article II, which accuses Corona of not disclosing his Statements of Assets, Liabilities, and Net worth (SALNs).
• She said the more pertinent section of the law would be the presumption of unexplained wealth when a government official’s assets do not tally with his income. She said this provision had more to do with the Code of Conduct and Ethical Standards for Public Officials and Employees (Republic Act 6713), which requires the faithful submission of SALNs.

Release of trial documents to the media [...]

Read the full story >>  Day 7: Highlights of Corona impeachment trial at the Senate

The good that can come from Corona’s impeachment trial

No Limitation 
By Ted Laguatan 

Never mind that the prosecution team appears sometimes like bumbling freshman Moot Court law students. Understandably, they are primarily not trial lawyers but congressmen instantly casted as prosecutors. Unlike the defense lawyers, trying cases is not their usual everyday fare. They cannot be faulted for not appearing like seasoned trial lawyers. They are not.

Nonetheless, they have laid out adequate allegations, which are somewhat poorly drafted and rough in some spots, but if proven by competent evidence to be true — theoretically should result in a final order of impeachment against Chief Justice Renato Corona.

However, the reality is that not all the Senator-Judges will vote according to compelling evidence and logic — but according to personal philosophies, party lines, individual political agendas, moral or immoral incentives and intuition. This is the nature of the process.

It’s somewhat similar to how jurors make decisions in US courts. There are other factors other than the available evidence [...]

Read the full story >>  The good that can come from Corona’s impeachment trial

‘Mrs. Corona used as dummy to buy P11M property?’

Source: ABS-CBN News

MANILA, Philippines- Lawyer Vicky Aveña questioned Thursday Cristina Corona’s purchase of an P11 million property in La Vista subdivision after failing to file her yearly income tax return.

“On its face, there is no explanation as to where she got the money to buy because if that money was hers, the question is why did she not report it for purposes of taxation? On the other hand, if it wasn’t hers, she was acting as a dummy,” she said.

Aveña said the La Vista property was supposed to have been purchased by Mrs. Corona. However, Chief Justice Renato Corona also reported in his statement of assets, liabilities and net worth that he got an P11 million loan from his wife’s family corporation, Basa-Guidote Enterprises, Inc.

“Is it being implied that the Chief Justice borrowed from the wife’s corporation in order to lend it to the wife to buy the property? Is that the implication here?” she asked.

The lawyer said a report by journalist Raissa Robles showed that the Securities and Exchange Commission had already revoked the charter of Basa-Guidote Enterprises in 2003. The report said the corporation had “ceased to operate legally  [...]

Read the full story >>  ‘Mrs. Corona used as dummy to buy P11M property?’

‘Coronas’ income, assets don’t match’

By Helen Flores
The Philippine Star

 

MANILA, Philippines – The declared income of Chief Justice Renato Corona and his wife Cristina did not match records of their asset acquisitions.

This was the gist of the testimony yesterday of Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) Commissioner Kim Henares before the Senate impeachment court.

After ordering the issue of ill-gotten wealth stricken off the impeachment complaint against Corona, the Senate impeachment court allowed Henares to take the witness stand.

Henares’ testimony centered on the Corona couple’s income records and the real estate purchases.

She revealed that Corona never filed income tax returns from 2002 to 2010. She stressed that Corona was not required to file ITRs based on Section 51 of the National Internal Revenue Code, which provides that individuals who have only one source of income do not have to file an ITR.

In lieu of the ITR, the employer – in Corona’s case the Supreme Court (SC) – submits to the BIR a so-called alpha list  [...]

Read the full story >>  ‘Coronas’ income, assets don’t match’

The Gatdula cause célèbre

PerryScope
By Perry Diaz

Claiming innocence, former police general Magtanggol Gatdula, who was fired as Director of the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI), vowed to fight back to clear his name of allegations of kidnapping and extortion.

However, he conceded that when the President lost trust and confidence in him, that was his signal to go out.  And that’s precisely the crux of the matter: President Benigno “P-Noy” Aquino III expects his appointees to walk a straight line – “daang matuwid” — in the performance of their jobs.

According to Justice Secretary Leila de Lima, Gatdula was relieved from his post following the recommendation of a DOJ fact-finding panel — which investigated the alleged kidnapping and extortion of Noriya Ohara, a 33-year-old Japanese national — to file charges against him and other NBI officials involved in the caper.

The DOJ report said that Gatdula participated in the planning and cover-up of the alleged crime last October 29 in which NBI agents abducted Ohara, who is in the country illegally.  According to the report, the NBI agents demanded a P15-million ransom from Romulo Marzan’s family with whom Ohara was staying.  The NBI agents threatened the Marzans with [...]

Read the full story >>  The Gatdula cause célèbre

We Are Your Family

GLIMPSES
By Jose Ma. Montelibano

I am not sure anymore about the latest death count and the numbers of the still missing from the destructive Typhoon Sendong. What I am sure about is the deep pain of the affected, the nightmare the floods must have been, and the continuing agony of accepting death in the family and accepting the loss of homes at the same time. Just 48 hours after the disaster struck, I was able to accompany a few leaders of Gawad Kalinga from Manila to CDO and Iligan. We joined volunteers of GK from the affected cities and several provinces in Mindanao who brought with them the first truck of food packs for distribution. Twice, I returned to monitor the developments after the first visit before Christmas to just days before I flew to the United States.

In a month’s time, a miracle of sorts was beginning to emerge. Of course, I have to begin with the instant and massive response of Filipinos towards their own. While I had experienced this kind and generous behavior during the aftermath of Typhoon Ondoy, seeing so many from all over the country rush to help CDO and Iligan convinced me that the new dawn for Filipinos has arrived. In Iligan especially, I also saw a powerful response from the local government, its leadership quickly taking charge despite the initial shock and overwhelming tragedy.

As I write this, Iligan is experiencing the end of a most unusual but inspiring day. It began with the President himself  [...]

Read the full story >>  We Are Your Family

Lapid’s wife arrested in US for smuggling $50,000

By Ding Cervantes
The Philippine Star 

ANGELES CITY, Philippines – The wife of Sen. Lito Lapid was arrested shortly after her landing in Las Vegas last Jan. 15 in connection with the dollar smuggling charges filed against her after she was accosted at the international airport there last November.

Senator Lapid confirmed yesterday that his wife Marissa was arrested but she was released on bail. She will, however, remain in Las Vegas pending the resolution of the case involving the alleged smuggling of $50,000 in cash last November.

He said an American lawyer is now assisting Marissa.

“I have also sought the help of the Department of Foreign Affairs to find out what really happened,he said, adding that he has coordinated with the US embassy in Manila for clarification.

Reports from the US said agents of the United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) arrested Marissa Lapid at the Las Vegas International Airport last Jan. 15.

Marissa’s arrest arose from a US federal warrant issued against her on Jan. 5, 2012 in connection with her earlier arrest on [...]

Nine dead, hostages saved: SEAL Team 6 does it again

Source: Sunday Morning Herald

First they took out al-Qaeda leader Osama bin Laden. Now the US Navy SEALs have earned their “special forces” designation once again by conducting a daring, pinpoint rescue of two aid workers held hostage for three months in Somalia.

US officials confirmed it was a Navy SEAL team that carried out the pre-dawn raid, but the Pentagon, citing “operation security reasons”, would not confirm US media reports that it was SEAL Team 6, the same unit that killed bin Laden deep inside Pakistan last May.

American Jessica Buchanan and Dane Poul Thisted, who both worked for the Danish Refugee Council Demining Group, were rescued unharmed after helicopter-borne US commandos landed in scrubland in central Somalia early on Wednesday local time, a Somali official said.

They killed all nine of the captors, the US military said. US Defence Secretary Leon Panetta said no US troops had been wounded or killed in the operation, which was personally authorised by President Barack Obama.

The SEALs – an acronym of “Sea, Air, Land” – specialise in reconnaissance and sea-borne assaults, often on vessels. They [...]

Read the full story >>  Nine dead, hostages saved: SEAL Team 6 does it again

DISCLAIMER: Commentaries or articles may be submitted for publication. However, the commentaries and articles submitted by writers and readers for publication do not necessarily reflect the views of Global Balita and its Editor. The Editor does not knowingly publish false information and may not be held liable for the views of writers and readers exercising their right to free expression. Global Balita and its Editor reserve the right to reject any commentary or article submitted for publication.

Senate to convict Corona

Verdict aims to spare Aquino from embarrassment — senator

Out of respect for the Office of the President, particularly for a popular leader, majority if not all of the current 23 senator-judges will vote to convict impeached Supreme Court Chief Justice Renato Corona, a respectable senator, who asked not to be identified, recently told a select group of reporters covering the Malacañang beat.The male senator, who is not a member of the ruling Liberal Party, said that only Sen. Joker Arroyo is the remaining senator-judge who is not inclined to vote for the conviction of Corona.He added that the rest, including Sen. Miriam Defensor Santiago, would accede to the call of President Benigno Aquino 3rd to vote for the expulsion of Corona from the Supreme Court.“I’m sure the senators would heed the call of the President and they would vote for the conviction of the Chief Justice,” the senator told reporters over dinner somewhere in Manila near Malacañang, official residence of President Aquino.

In a bid to give credence to his analysis, he gave a rundown of the voting inclination of the senator-judges.

Corona needs seven votes to acquit and 16 votes to convict [...]

Read the full story >>  Senate to convict Corona

Fraud, tax experts to face off in impeachment trial

By Christina Mendez
The Philippine Star

MANILA, Philippines – As the impeachment trial enters its third week today, the prosecution will present a certified fraud examiner (CFE) in its list of witnesses to bolster further their allegations in Article 2 of the Articles of Impeachment against Chief Justice Renato Corona.

The defense would also present an expert witness in a bid to weaken the prosecution’s case against the chief magistrate in Article 2 on Corona’s alleged non-disclosure of assets and failure to include properties.

Marikina Rep. Miro Quimbo, a spokesman for the prosecution, said the CFE will render expert opinion on the true or correct net worth of Corona and his incapacity to acquire the properties registered under his name and that of his wife and children based on his declared income.

Quimbo, however, refused to elaborate further on the CFE’s testimony so as not to preempt the strategy of the prosecution panel.

He said the House prosecution is ready to wind up its offer of documents and witnesses on Article 2 of the impeachment complaint.

“We hope to wrap up Article 2 this Wednesday or Thursday so we can go to Article 1,” Quimbo said.

Under Article 1 of the impeachment complaint, Corona is accused of betrayal of public trust due to  [...]

Read the full story >>  Fraud, tax experts to face off in impeachment trial

Chief Justice lied in SALN

AMADO P. MACASAET
MALAYA

‘The prosecutors did not see the bigger offense of falsifying a statement under oath, an offense that may border on the question of betraying public trust or forgery of a public document.’

THE law requires all state workers, including the Chief Justice, to declare or include all assets in the annual statement of assets, liabilities and net worth.

Since the Chief Justice did not include all of his assets in the SALN which is a document under oath, Renato Corona lied under oath as discovered by the Senate trying him for eight alleged offenses.

His SALN shows he falsified the document.

The impeachment court ruled that ill-gotten wealth is not to be admitted as evidence of guilt in Article 2 of the impeachment charges.

But the offense is not exactly in relation to ill-gotten wealth. The charge against the Chief Justice in Article II is refusing to make public his SALN. With the permission of the Supreme Court the document was submitted and examined by the senators  [...]

Read the full story >>  Chief Justice lied in SALN

Unexplained or ill-gotten wealth?

By Ellen Tordesillas
Malaya

‘“What is the difference between “unexplained wealth” and “ill-gotten wealth”? A lot, if you read RA 3019 and RA 7080.’

THE prosecution’s clumsy preparation of the Articles of Impeachment against Chief Justice Renato Corona has caught up with them.

Last Wednesday, the impeachment court trying Chief Justice Renato Corona decided to reject the prosecution’s request to present evidence in relation to the alleged ill-gotten wealth of Chief Justice Renato Corona.

Senate President Juan Ponce Enrile, acting as the impeachment court’s presiding officer, said: “This impeachment court has arrived at a decision in that caucus that this court will allow the introduction of evidence and impeachment on article 2 paragraph 2.2 and 2.3 but not the introduction of evidence of paragraph 2.4. And so parties must be guided accordingly,” Enrile said.

Paragraph 2.4 states: “Respondent is likewise suspected and accused of having accumulated ill-gotten wealth, acquiring assets of high values and keeping bank accounts with huge deposits.”

Article of Impeachment No. 2 deals with Corona’s non-disclosure of his statement of assets liabilities and net worth [...]

Read the full story >>  Unexplained or ill-gotten wealth?

Law frats also in spotlight at CJ trial

By Delon Porcalla
The Philippine Star

MANILA, Philippines – As lawyers slug it out in the impeachment trial of Chief Justice Renato Corona, their fraternity affiliations in law school have also come under scrutiny.

In the spotlight in particular are Ateneo de Manila University’s Aquila Legis and Utopia fraternities and the University of the Philippines’ Sigma Rho and Alpha Phi Beta.

There is speculation that the impeachment of Supreme Court (SC) Associate Justice Mariano del Castillo, an Aquilan, was initially shelved by the House of Representatives with the help of his fraternity brothers who belong to the Liberal Party and currently hold key posts in the chamber. The House is reviving this week its probe of Del Castillo for alleged plagiarism.

Although Del Castillo was absolved by his SC colleagues, congressmen initially found merit in the complaint that he plagiarized portions of a court ruling that he wrote about Filipino comfort women.

On the other hand, Aquilans are seen to be behind the impeachment of Corona, a member of Aquila’s rival Utopia. SC spokesman and court administrator Midas Marquez is also a Utopian, like several of Corona’s  [...]

Read the full story >>  Law frats also in spotlight at CJ trial

Llamas says sorry; fate hangs in the balance

By Christine O. Avendaño
Philippine Daily Inquirer

 

Would an apology to no less than the President save his job?

Presidential Adviser on Political Affairs Ronald Llamas may know the answer today (Monday).

Llamas on Sunday said he had apologized to President Benigno Aquino III over last week’s incident in which he was photographed by an editor buying pirated DVDs in a Quezon City mall.

Five days after the Inquirer ran the story with a picture of him in the mall, Llamas finally broke his silence. He said he saw the President on Friday to explain his side.

“He told me I had to undergo internal processes and investigation,” Llamas said in a phone interview. Asked whether he apologized to the President for the incident, Llamas said he [...]

Read the full story >>   Llamas says sorry; fate hangs in the balance

Llamas and Caesar’s wife

BY DUCKY PAREDES
MALAYA

‘As for Rolando Llamas, here’s friendly advice: The next time you want to buy a DVD, send your driver.’

ONE theory about how cabinet secretaries should behave is that they should, at all times, be like Caesar’s wife meaning that they should always be above suspicion. In the case of Pompeia, the wife Caesar divorced, Caesar. when asked about why the divorce, replied: “Caesar’s wife must be above suspicion.” Obviously, Caesar had his suspicions about Pompeia.

Caesar next married Calpurnia who had a premonition about the Ides of March but Caesar, like most husbands, ignored her warnings and realized too late that he should have fully trusted his last wife. Caesar was assassinated on the Ides of March, the 15th day of the month.

In the case of the acts of political affairs adviser, Secretary Ronald Llamas, caught on a cellphone camera actively haggling over the price of pirated DVDs from a Quezon City mall, what did he do that you and I and most of our fellow citizens have not done again and again? In fact, buying pirated CDs and DVDs is so prevalent in this country that, although we have laws that prohibit the selling of purloined music and movies on CDs and DVDs, there is no law prohibiting us ordinary folk from buying.

Atty. Coco Padilla, chief of the Legal Division of the Optical Media Board (OMB), the government agency that has jurisdiction over the issue of pirated DVDs, clarifies that individuals who purchase pirated DVDs for their own personal use do not  [...]

Read the full story >>   Llamas and Caesar’s wife

Can our media be trusted with sensitive information?

AS I WRECK THIS CHAIR
By William M. Esposo
The Philippine Star

During the 1974 Academy Awards show, just as British actor David Niven was about to present a winner, a streaker (1970s fad when naked people dash around public places or gatherings) suddenly sprung from behind him and ran through the theatre aisle, drawing varied reactions from the startled audience. Unfazed, Niven coolly remarked: “The only laugh that man will ever get in his life is by stripping … and showing his shortcomings.” The audience roared in laughter and applauded David Niven.

The critics of President Noynoy Aquino (P-Noy) remind your Chair Wrecker of that streaker at the 1974 Academy Awards event. They too like to flaunt what little they’ve got, aside from their biases.

It’s about time that the critics of P-Noy accept the reality that he will abide by his standards and not pander to theirs. To begin with, they don’t have access to the wealth of information that a president has. They don’t have the qualified staff to competently study the complete ramifications of a policy or action. They don’t have the intelligence apparatus and P-Noy is one president who is [...]

Read the full story >>  Can our media be trusted with sensitive information?

The trophy mistress

Corporate Watch
By Amelia H.C. Ylagan
BusinessWorld

She exudes the mystique of the faraway unknown. Standing proud and beautiful, she subtly beckons to escapist liaisons by her seeming inaccessibility. Many want her for the glamour and romance of anticipated capture, pheromones excited by competitive pursuit and the final vanity of victorious acquisition. I must have her, he says.

And so Chinese-Filipino billionaire Lucio Tan, tobacco and alcohol taipan, bought Philippine Airlines (PAL) in 1992, when it was offered for sale in then-president Fidel Ramos’s massive privatization program. To be exact, it was not publicly known until a year after that Tan was actually PAL’s majority buyer,when he quarreled with Antonio “Tony Boy” Cojuangco, then Philippine Long Distance Telephone Co. (PLDT) chairman, who had won the fight for PAL by a thin 7% over the bid by the PCI Capital Consortium of John Gokongwei and Eugenio Lopez, Jr.

Cojuangco and his AB Capital and Investment Corp., in partnership with the Soriano family, was to have paid the Philippine government P9.78 billion for PAL. But rumors had it that when the call came for the payment by Cojuangco, he had to “borrow” from Tan to support his share of the commitment. Few knew of the quid-pro-quo for Tan’s subsequent backdoor 40% share in PR Holdings Corp., the new consortium formed to operate PAL in its apres-privatization start-up.

The Soriano group was reportedly angry over discovering that they were in bed with Tan, and promptly bailed out of PAL. It was shocking to most, in the heightened idealism of the immediate post-EDSA I People Power Revolution, that a reported Marcos crony had surreptitiously taken control of the then 51-year-old flag carrier — PAL — national patrimony by its very name and proud existence as Asia’s first airline. On the other hand, it can be easily understood why Tan wanted so much to have PAL as a “trophy mistress” perhaps for the vanity of acquisition and the loud braggadocio of the low-key Chinese Filipino (naturalized) having [...]

Read the full story >>  The trophy mistress

Fil-Cans condemn racist acts of Canada’s neo-Nazi group

By Alex P. Vidal

VANCOUVER, British Columbia — The Filipino Canadian Youth Alliance, Philippine Women Centre of BC and SIKLAB for Migrant Workers will hold a “protest of all forms of racism” on Feb. 13, 2012 at 9 a.m. in front of the Vancouver Provincial Court on 222 Main St.

The groups have condemned “the racist acts of neo-Nazi group Blood and Honour for setting a young Filipino man on fire while sleeping on a couch on Commercial Drive in 2009.”

In a statement released January 27, 2012, the three groups “hold Canada’s legal and policing system accountable for not acting fast enough to penalize and dissolve the white supremacist group. On Feb. 13, during the hearing of the men charged with burning the Filipino man, Filipino Canadians will take to the streets in protest of the racist acts.”

THIRD

They lamented that “despite being the third largest minority group in Canada, Filipino youth are faced with racist systemic barriers and limited access to resources in Canada. Education obtained in the Philippines is often not recognized, pushing college kids back to high school upon arriving in Canada. There are few public services that integrate Filipinos successfully while  [...]

Read the full story >>   Fil-Cans condemn racist acts of Canada’s neo-Nazi group

DISCLAIMER: Commentaries or articles may be submitted for publication. However, the commentaries and articles submitted by writers and readers for publication do not necessarily reflect the views of Global Balita and its Editor. The Editor does not knowingly publish false information and may not be held liable for the views of writers and readers exercising their right to free expression. Global Balita and its Editor reserve the right to reject any commentary or article submitted for publication.

Corona’s FMD

BY AMADO P. MACASAET
MALAYA

‘Like those who speak without thinking, Corona confirmed that he is nothing more than a political partisan.’

AS he was about to be impeached, Chief Justice Renato Corona dramatically stepped out of the Supreme Court to address his loyal minions. His message was loud and clear: Bring it on!

Like a small town mayor addressing a party caucus in front of the town hall, Corona that day shed every veneer of judicial statesmanship.

Using crude rhetoric worthy of the gutter and condescension typical of a small claims lawyer, Corona virtually called PNoy dumb and stupid several times in his speech. The clueless partisan crowd laughed and cheered him on.

Like those who speak without thinking, Corona failed to realize that the joke was actually on him.

Corona sealed his fate with his belligerent tone. He confirmed that he is nothing more than a political partisan who let politics seep into the judiciary. With his speech, he willingly entered the political arena to joust with a politician who had just won an election in overwhelming fashion and managed the rare feat of keeping his popularity after assuming office.

If anything, Corona confirmed that magistrates are better read than heard.

A magistrate is better off speaking through their decisions. The worthy ones write decisions that display their erudition. Jurisprudence they pen shaped the evolution of our laws. In well written prose, they showcase their legal philosophy. In their decisions, they marry the facts with the law in the grandest fashion, in full glory and majesty of the law.

Corona fails in this class of jurists as much as he deserves his fake doctorate degree summa cum laude [...]

Read the full story >>  Corona’s FMD

Day 9: Highlights of Corona impeachment trial at the Senate

Call to order

• The trial resumed at 2 p.m. Tuesday.

Price of Corona penthouse reduced due to damage, not discount

• Witness Noli Hernandez, senior vice president for marketing at Megaworld Corporation, testified that the Bellagio Tower I penthouse purchased by Chief Justice Renato Corona’s wife Cristina in 2008 had a steep reduction in price from P24 million to P19.6 million because of “water damage” following a typhoon. The price was further slashed by P3 million, or the standard 15-20 percent discount, because Corona paid “almost in cash” and on a “shorter term” of less than a year.
• Private prosecutor Joseph Joemer Perez asked whether it was the usual practice of Megaworld to sell damaged units, drastically reduce its prices, or give big discounts. He also asked if the company had filed insurance claims after the condominium was damaged by the typhoon.
• The presiding officer cautioned Perez about his manner of asking questions. Enrile clarified that a price reduction is different from a discount: the condition of the unit is a reason for reducing the price, while a discount is a privilege extended to the buyer.
• During the cross-examination by lead defense counsel Serafin Cuevas, Hernandez said Megaworld could have given the same price reduction to any customer. Hernandez added that he did not know at the time that it was Chief Justice Corona who bought the penthouse.

Senators ask: What’s the connection? [...]

Read the full story >>  Day 9: Highlights of Corona impeachment trial at the Senate

Day 8: Highlights of Corona impeachment trial at the Senate

Call to order

• The trial resumed at 2:01 p.m. Monday.
• Senator-judges Miriam Defensor-Santiago and Sergio Osmeña were absent.

Trillanes likens impeachment to PMA ‘honor’ trial 

• Senator-judge Antonio Trillanes IV compared the impeachment trial at the Senate to Honor Committee trials at his alma mater, the Philippine Military Academy, where only the unanimous decision by an eight-man jury can convict an accused cadet, not technicalities or lawyers.
• He said will apply a “basic sense of justice” in determining the moral fitness of the impeached chief justice who must “possess the highest possible moral standards for public officials.”
• Trillanes said the presentation of evidence even before Chief Justice Renato Corona was appointed as head of the Supreme Court should be allowed.

Protecting constitutional rights of Corona, family members

• The Senate Secretary, as the clerk of court of the impeachment court, read the Senate resolution disallowing developers from presenting  evidence that are not related to Corona and members of his family, so as not to violate their right to privacy and not subject them to unreasonable search and seizure.
• She also read the impeachment court’s decision to disallow the introduction of evidence on Article 2.4 on ill-gotten wealth. Instead, the court will rely on legal presumptions on the properties of the respondent.

New order of presentation and list of witnesses [...]

Read the full story >>  Day 8: Highlights of Corona impeachment trial at the Senate

Condo builder: No favors for CJ, wife

By Christina Mendez and Marvin Sy
The Philippine Star

 

MANILA, Philippines – Megaworld Corp. denied yesterday that the P10-million price reduction it gave Chief Justice Renato Corona and his wife for a penthouse in the Bellagio condominium in Taguig City was in exchange for favorable Supreme Court (SC) decisions involving the real estate company.

“Some of these allegations purport to allege that the sale of the units mentioned in the impeachment proceedings were in consideration for favors received or requested from the Court. These allegations are completely baseless and malicious,” Megaworld said in a statement.

The real estate company said the SC’s decisions would show that Megaworld “never requested nor obtained any favor from anyone in the Court, including the Chief Justice who is presently standing trial.”

On the ninth day of the trial yesterday, lawyer Noli Hernandez, senior vice president for marketing of Megaworld, reiterated that no favor was given to the Corona couple in the sale of Unit 38-B.

Hernandez said the unit was water-damaged after a typhoon and the economic situation was not good in 2008, which prompted the company to cut the price by about 40 percent.

“The discount was not any favor but a force majeure?”  [...]

Read the full story >>  Condo builder: No favors for CJ, wife

Defense admits ‘inaccuracies’ in Corona SALN

MANILA, Philippines (UPDATE) – A member of Chief Justice Renato Corona’s defense team admitted Tuesday that there were “inaccuracies” in Corona’s statements of assets, liabilities and net worth (SALN) when he belatedly declared several real estate properties years after they were acquired.

Former justice undersecretary Ramon Esguerra said the Chief Justice acquired a condo unit at Spanish Bay Tower, Bonifacio Ridge in 2005 and another condo unit at The Bellagio, Taguig in 2008 but only declared both properties in 2010. The Bonifacio Ridge property was purchased for P9 million; The Bellagio unit P14 million.

Esguerra said Corona broke no law when he disclosed ownership of the real estate properties belatedly in his SALN.

“It was disclosed although belatedly but does that constitute violation of the law insofar as SALN filing is concerned? It does not. Even the law allows a corrective measure if a filer of a SALN does not accurately reflect what should be reflected in his SALN,” he told Mornings@ANC.

Esguerra said that under Republic Act 6713 or the Code of Conduct and Ethical Standards for Public Officials, there is a pertinent provision that a filer must be informed about inaccuracies in his SALN and allowed to correct it.

He added that under this particular provision, “no liability for perjury attaches” for inaccuracies in the filing of SALN.

Asked if Corona lied in his SALN because he belatedly declared his properties, Esguerra said: “Not really lying. It is really up to the filer. But in the case of the Chief Justice [...]

 Read the full story >>  Defense admits ‘inaccuracies’ in Corona SALN

How did CJ get a loan from ‘dead’ company?

By Carmela Fonbuena
Rappler.com

MANILA, Philippines – On Tuesday, January 31, the prosecution panel will tackle the Basa Guidote Enterprises Inc (BGEI), the now-moribund company owned by the family of Cristina Corona, wife of impeached Chief Justice Renato Corona.

Basa Guidote was managed by Cristina Corona. In his 2003 Statement of Asset, Liabilities, and Net Worth (SALN), the Chief Justice declared an P11-million loan from the company.

He said the loan was used to buy a 1,200-sq-m lot in the posh La Vista subdivision in Quezon City in September 2003.

In his SALN, Corona declared that he bought the lot for only P3-M. A deed of absolute sale however shows that the property was purchased for P11-M.

Corona’s SALNs indicate that he started paying back the loan in 2005. It went down to P10-million in 2005; P8-million in 2006; P6.5-million in 2007; P5-million in 2008; P3-million in 2009.

The loan was apparently fully paid by 2010, since it no longer appeared in his SALN that year.

But records show that Basa Guidote was revoked by the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) in 2003, the same year when Corona said he borrowed P11-M from the company.

The question is: How did the Chief Justice take a loan from a revoked company? And who was receiving his payment from 2005 to 2009? [...]

Read the full story >>   How did CJ get a loan from ‘dead’ company?

For delicadeza po Justice Cuevas, inhibit, and, be happy, be Budoy!

The Tall Order
By Mon Datol
The Philipine Courier
Toronto, Canada

Retired Justice Serafin Cuevas, the lead defense lawyer for CJ Renato Corona in the latter’s impeachment trial, claimed the other day that the Palace is pressuring him to quit his post. Ayaw ni Justice Cuevas.

 Megadz, if Justice Cuevas would only read RA 910 where it states: a retiring justice who is receiving pension from government cannot appear as counsel before any court in a) any civil case wherein the Government or any subdivision or instrumentality thereof is the adverse party or in b) any criminal case wherein an officer or employee of the Government is accused of an offense committed in relation to his office or c) collect any fee for his appearance in any administrative proceedings to maintain an interest adverse to the Government; he would immediately inhibit himself in the foregoing Corona impeachment … [...]

Read the full story >>For delicadeza po Justice Cuevas, inhibit, and, be happy, be Budoy!

The slogan works both ways

ON DISTANT SHORE
By Val G. Abelgas 

While the nation remained riveted to the impeachment trial of Chief Justice Renato Corona for the third week on Monday, the National Statistical Coordination Board (NSCB) reported that the Philippines’ economy grew by only 3.7 percent last year, less than half of the 7.6 percent growth registered last year.

NSCB Secretary General Romulo Virola said the “relatively feeble” growth was posted “amidst the obstinate economic woes, the government under-spending on infrastructure in the second and third quarters, and the sustained decline in fishing.”

The 3.7-percent growth rate the Philippines registered in 2011 makes it the second slowest-growing economy among Southeast Asian nations, higher only than that of Thailand, which was severely affected by severe flooding that year.

The gloomy economic report followed an announcement in November by the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas that foreign direct investment to the Philippines in the first eight months of last year totaled only $810 million, or a 19.2 decline from the $1-billion net inflows in the same period in 2010.

The NSCB report confirmed what respondents feared in a Pulse Asia survey released the other week where 45 percent [...]

Read the full story >>  The slogan works both ways

Lapid’s wife: Money was for my house

Balitang America
ABS-CBNnews.com

MANILA, Philippines – Contrary to claims by her husband, Marissa Lapid said the money confiscated from her by United States airport officials is for a “house.”

Senator Lito Lapid said on Thursday that his wife had no malicious intentions with the money found by US airport officials in her luggage in the Las Vegas International Airport.

Lapid said her wife Marissa needed it for the treatment of her heart condition. “Medyo naharang siya doon dahil sobra ang dala niyang pera siguro dahil nagpapagamot siya dahil may sakit siya eh,” the senator had said.

Marissa was arrested after arriving at the Las Vegas International Airport last Jan. 15. The arrest was based on a warrant  [...]

Read the full story >>   Lapid’s wife: Money was for my house

Plan to expand U.S. military presence in Philippines assailed, defended

DISCLAIMER: Commentaries or articles may be submitted for publication. However, the commentaries and articles submitted by writers and readers for publication do not necessarily reflect the views of Global Balita and its Editor. The Editor does not knowingly publish false information and may not be held liable for the views of writers and readers exercising their right to free expression. Global Balita and its Editor reserve the right to reject any commentary or article submitted for publication.

Corona got P11-M cash from ‘dead’ firm

By Cathy C. Yamsuan, Christian V. Esguerra, TJ Burgonio
Philippine Daily Inquirer

Prosecutors on Wednesday zeroed in on what one senator-judge described as an “unexplained inclusion� in the statements of assets, liabilities and net worth (SALNs) of Chief Justice Renato Corona.

On Day 10 of Corona’s impeachment trial, the prosecution contended that the Chief Justice could not have received an P11-million cash advance from a company owned by his wife’s family in 2003 because its certificate of registration was revoked that same year.

“Our theory is that there could not have been any transaction made by Basa-Guidote (Enterprises Inc.) with Chief Justice Renato Corona because … the corporate franchise had already been dissolved or revoked and therefore, the only action that can be taken by Basa-Guidote (was) just to liquidate and wind up the affairs of the corporation and distribute the shares,� Representative Reynaldo Umali told the impeachment court.

Prosecutors presented Director Benito Cataran of the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC)  to show that the company was no longer in a position to release money to Corona.

The approach puzzled some of the senators, who questioned the relevance of Basa-Guidote being “dead� to the charge that Corona did not publicly disclose his SALN and because of that, should be convicted of culpable violation of the Constitution and betrayal of public trust [...]

Read the full story >>  Corona got P11-M cash from ‘dead’ firm

Day 11: Highlights of Corona impeachment trial at the Senate

Call to Order

• At 2:04 p.m. Thursday, the trial resumed.
• Senators Miram Defensor-Santiago and Sergio Osmeña were absent.

Cross-examination of registers of deeds

• During cross-examination by defense counsel Ramon Esguerra, Quezon City Register of Deeds Carlo Alcantara produced the transfer certificate of title (TCT) for a P15-million lot under the names of Carla Constantino, the daughter of impeached Chief Justice Renato Corona, and her husband.
• Alcantara also produced registration certificates for the following properties of the Corona family:

• A unit at the Burgundy condominium with a market zonal value of P1.5 million and a selling price of P2.5 million
• A lot at the Ayala Heights with a market zonal value P13.8 million and a selling price of P8 million
• A lot at La Vista with a market zonal value of P21.6 million and a selling price of P18 million
• Two properties at Xavierville Subdivision

SALN entries: zonal value, fair market value, or selling price? [...]

Read the full story >>  Day 11: Highlights of Corona impeachment trial at the Senate

Day 10: Highlights of Corona impeachment trial at the Senate

Call to order

• The trial resumed at 2 p.m. Wednesday.

Corona’s P11-million loan

• House prosecutor Rep. Reynaldo Umali conducted the direct examination of Director Benito Cataran of the Securities & Exchange Commission (SEC) Company Registration & Regulatory Department, who testified on the P11-million loan that Chief Justice Renato Corona got in 2003 from his wife’s corporation; it was declared as his liability in his Statement of Assets, Liabilities and Net Worth (SALN) from 2004 to 2009.
• Cataran produced the articles of incorporation of Basa Guidote Enterprises, Inc. (BGEI), which was registered with the SEC in May 30, 1961. He said neither Corona nor his wife Cristina Roco-Corona were listed as shareholders in the company, whose incorporators and officers had the surnames Basa or Roco.
• Director Cataran added that the SEC revoked BGEI’s articles of incorporation and considered the company dissolved in 2003 – the year Corona got a loan from BGEI – after it failed to file general information sheets (GIS) from 1991 to 1997, and financial statements from 2000 to 2003 as required under the Corporation Code.
• However, presiding officer and Senate President Juan Ponce Enrile said the dissolution of a corporation is not its end because it still has to undergo liquidation. He explained that the SEC can only suspend a non-compliant corporation’s license, but the corporation can only be dissolved by its own stockholders or by the government through a case filed against entities that usurp authority. He directed Cataran to submit a legal memorandum showing the authority of the SEC to dissolve non-compliant corporations.
• Umali said the prosecution panel was out to prove that Corona could not have borrowed from BSEI “because the corporation’s franchise has already been dissolved or revoked [and] the only action that can be taken by [BGEI] is to liquidate, wind up and distribute the shares.â€� He added the prosecution wants to prove that the P11-million loan obtained by Corona is “fictitious.â€�
• Senator-judge Francis Pangilinan noted that the prosecution was trying to prove a questionable or “unexplained inclusionâ€� which goes to the truthfulness of Corona’s SALN.

Much ado about nothing [...]

Read the full story >>  Day 10: Highlights of Corona impeachment trial at the Senate

Corona’s bank records may be subpoenaed

Source: Vox Bikol

MANILA, Philippines (Feb 01, 2012) – The Corona family might be awash in undeclared cash as indicated by the pattern of buying properties on “almost cash basis� and the uncovering of secret dollar accounts traced to their names and the prosecution team is now eyeing the presentation of the bank records of Chief Justice Renato Corona and his wife Cristina.

The prosecution team aims to bolster its argument that the chief justice, now on impeachment trial, has substantial assets not declared in his Statement of Assets Liabilities and Networth (SALN).

The prosecution has initially identified a secret dollar account opened under the account of CJ Corona with the Philippine Savings Bank (PSBank) in October 31, 2008 with an initial deposit US$700,000 and another account in the name of Corona’s daughter, Carla, and her husband but with CJ Corona as the sole signatory.

The prosecutors are optimistic of Corona’s bank records shall be allowed by the Senate tribunal because the Bank Secrecy Law does not apply in impeachment cases and said assets are not declared in Corona’s SALN.

“We are currently discussing the bank accounts of the Coronas. Although there is no decision yet, there is an inclination to [...]

Read the full story >>     Corona’s bank records may be subpoenaed

Relative warned JBC in 2001: Corona could bring “disrepute� to SC

When Renato Corona was nominated for a vacant seat in the Supreme Court back in 2001, an uncle of his wife Cristina personally wrote the Judicial Bar Council (JBC) to oppose his nomination in order “to save the SC from discredit and disrepute.�

Jose Maria Basa III warned that Corona “will not be capable of rendering fair and just decisions as he has not exhibited such character� in connection with his actions regarding Basa-Guidote Enterprises, the corporation jointly owned by the Cristina Corona’s parents and the latter’s relatives  like Basa.

President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo came to the defense of Corona, who was then her Malacanang Chief-of-Staff.

Arroyo’s spokesman Rigoberto Tiglao was quoted by the Manila Bulletin as telling reporters in a September 2001 news [...]

Read the full story >>  Relative warned JBC in 2001: Corona could bring “disrepute� to SC

‘Movement 188′ hits alleged ‘squid tactics’ of Corona lawyers

Source: ZamboTimes.com

MANILA — Congressmen signatories to the impeachment complaint against Supreme Court Chief Justice Renato Corona, who called themselves “Movement 188,� on Tuesday hit the alleged “squid tactics� in firing “made-up stink bombs� at the prosecution team of the House of Representatives and their spokesmen “in a desperate bid to muddle up the trial and divert national attention away from testimonies and evidence submitted to the Senate impeachment court.�

The Movement 188, in a press briefing, claimed that “after resorting to dilatory tactics to torpedo incriminating evidence against Corona during the first two weeks of the trial, the chief magistrate’s defense team has now turned to firing made-up stink bombs at certain House prosecutors and their spokespersons, in a frantic bid to muddle up the proceedings and sidetrack the Senate court’s focus from the submission of evidence and testimonies proving that he does not deserve to stay one minute longer at the helm of the Supreme Court.�

The group believes that the defense team “has apparently seen this early the writing on the wall — the losing legal battle of the Chief Justice to wiggle himself out of crimes contained in the eight Articles of Impeachment — that they want to put the prosecution on the defensive by hurling trumped-up charges against them and to similarly put senator-judges in a straight-jacket by moving for the inhibition of certain senators on the trumped-up allegation that they have been lawyering [...]

Read the full story >>   ‘Movement 188′ hits alleged ‘squid tactics’ of Corona lawyers

Brouhaha over pirated DVDs

PerryScope
By Perry Diaz

Shooting buddies

From the time President Benigno “P-Noy� Aquino III appointed Ronald Llamas as presidential adviser on political affairs, Llamas has become the lightning rod for criticism against P-Noy’s administration.  But P-Noy doesn’t seem to be bothered with the attacks directed at Llamas.  Indeed, nobody could touch Llamas…  unless his critics could produce incontrovertible evidence of malfeasance.

The latest “torpedo� launched at Llamas was an allegation that he purchased pirated DVDs.  As a result of this controversy involving one of P-Noy’s despised – and envied – shooting buddies, Executive Secretary Paquito Ochoa Jr. issued a memorandum instructing Llamas to explain within five days – by February 1 — why no administrative disciplinary case should be filed against him for buying pirated DVDs.

In his memo, Ochoa said that Llamas was “seen buying a stack of pirated DVDs worth P2,000.�  Llamas responded to the memo immediately to which Ochoa’s office said that it would make a recommendation.  According to deputy presidential spokesperson Abigail Valte, the recommendation could be administrative sanctions or dismissal.

When P-Noy heard the story, he pooh-poohed it saying that Llamas “might just have been passing by.�  But according to a first-hand account by Dona Policar, the associate editor of Bandera, she saw — and photographed — Llamas going over the pirated DVDs on display at the Circle C mall in Quezon City.  According to the DVD retailer, Llamas bought P2,000 worth of pirated DVDs.  He also said that Llamas was a regular customer.

Poor Llamas, he never realized that in one of his rare personal and private moments, a paparazzo was lurking behind a stack of DVDs while he was browsing over the merchandise displayed.  But Llamas should have known better that as an alter ego of the President, he is public property, 24/7 [...]

Read the full story >>  Brouhaha over pirated DVDs

What’s the unbelievable tale and retraction of Cuevas all about?

AS I WRECK THIS CHAIR
By William M. Esposo
The Philippine Star

The tale of impeachment trial lead defense lawyer Serafin Cuevas that Malacanang Palace is pressuring him to quit from the defense panel was simply unbelievable. To a political and marketing communications strategist — the Cuevas tale appears to be directed at winning the public relations battle of the impeachment trial rather than exposing an irregularity.

Cuevas could not name names after Presidential Spokesman Edwin Lacierda challenged him to do so. That’s untypical of a top caliber lawyer like Cuevas who would know the difference between a factual assertion and a tall tale. It’s also something we would not expect somebody like Cuevas to state sans any other details that would protect him from being called to account.

Last Tuesday’s dailies carried the subsequent denial of Cuevas. He was emphatic in saying that nobody representing the Palace ever approached him to ask that he quit from the defense panel. The Philippine Daily Inquirer, which broke the “Palace pressure on Cuevas� story last Monday, countered in the face of the Cuevas denial that the tape and transcript of the interview with Cuevas says otherwise — meaning that Cuevas did tell the tale. Hearing that tape in the Inquirer website prevents us from giving [...]

Read the full story >>  What’s the unbelievable tale and retraction of Cuevas all about?

Ping: Mike A, Iggy have P4-billion deposits

By Marvin Sy
The Philippine Star

MANILA, Philippines – Sen. Panfilo Lacson says he has documents to prove that former first gentleman Jose Miguel “Mike� Arroyo and his late brother Ignacio or Iggy each owned bank accounts containing over P2 billion.

Lacson yesterday said the two accounts are in one bank, and that these are still active.

The accounts are no longer in the names of “Jose Pidal� but those of Mike’s and Iggy’s, Lacson added.

Lacson said he intended to revive the Jose Pidal probe with the new evidence in his possession.

“There was really no closure (on the issue),� he said.

“There really has to be closure, but not at this time because Iggy has yet to be buried.�

Lacson asked Ferdinand Topacio, the lawyer of Mike Arroyo, to ask his client for a written waiver on the money contained [...]

Read the full story >>   Ping: Mike A, Iggy have P4-billion deposits

The Legacy of 182 Trees in Baguio City

As the Bamboos Sway
By Rudy D. Liporada

While the Sendong mudslide catastrophe which killed thousands of Filipinos is still fresh in our emotional quotient and with the seeming withering away from memory of similar disasters in Bicol and Leyte, Baguio City citizens are up in furor against what they call the impending ‘massacre’ of 182 trees by conglomerate ShoeMart (SM).

These 182 trees might as well be the hallmark of the fight against denudation in the Philippines which have given way to mining conglomerates, real estate expansions, and commercial encroachment which, unbridled, have proven disastrous to the environment – bringing death and continuing pestilence.

The issue on the 182 trees has all the trappings of the conflict drama involving a heartless conglomerate, a castrated Baguio mayor and his City Council, environmental policies which are being railroaded – all against Baguio citizens who are against the ‘massacre’ of these trees.

While the Sendong, Bicol, and Leyte and other denudations were happening which caused those thousands to be buried in their sleep, no huge clamor against those denudations really hit the headlines before the denudations. Reactions after the disasters, investigations, policy resolutions against more denudations were mere talk as the onslaught on the environment continued waiting for the next disasters [...]

Read the full story >>  The Legacy of 182 Trees in Baguio City

DISCLAIMER: Commentaries or articles may be submitted for publication. However, the commentaries and articles submitted by writers and readers for publication do not necessarily reflect the views of Global Balita and its Editor. The Editor does not knowingly publish false information and may not be held liable for the views of writers and readers exercising their right to free expression. Global Balita and its Editor reserve the right to reject any commentary or article submitted for publication.

We Watch While They Go Hungry

GLIMPSES
By Jose Ma. Montelibano

4.5 million Filipino families experience hunger and the rest who can help prevent this watch as they go hungry. It is a cursed life that the hungry live, and it is a curse that many who can help, but do not, will have to bear in their lives.

As I travel around the United States, speaking to Filipino-Americans who have keen interest in learning more about the plight of the poorest among our people, I appeal for their sympathy and active intervention. My basis is in their latest annual remittance to their families in the Philippines estimated at around $9 billion, proof of massive resources and proof of consistent generosity. I have not asked them to send more money to the Philippines. I have simply pointed out that they sent money to their families but not their country, to individuals but not to the collective. If their generosity has lifted their beneficiaries out of poverty, it has not lifted lifted the hungry from their misery.

To feed the hungry is a Christian obligation. To not do so will not allow salvation or entry into the kingdom of God. This is not my claim. This is the promise of the Founder of Christianity – Jesus Christ. I am Christian so I had been taught this, by my parents who were Christians themselves, by my schools which were Christian as well, and by the religious authorities of the Catholic Church. According to their teachings, each believer will be asked at the end of time important questions by Jesus Himself – and one would be, “When I was hungry, did you feed me? [...]

Read the full story >>  We Watch While They Go Hungry

The Great Poverty Divide

By Fr. Shay Cullen
(His columns are published in The Manila Times,
in publications in Ireland, the UK, Hong Kong, and on-line)

Manuel a semi-illiterate teenager just rescued from the filthy jails of Metro Manila was longing to see his parents and family. He told us that they had no home and lived on the street. They had a food stall near Baclaran Church and lived there under a plastic sheet. They eked out a living selling bananas cooked in recycled vegetable oil and brown sugar to the church goers at the weekly novena and daily masses.

Both rich and poor filled the Wednesday novena prayers. The poor being the vast majority were begging divine help to find enough food for their families and medicines for their sick and the irresponsible and unrepentant rich praying for forgiveness and donating coins for a ticket to heaven. Alas that’s the great divide; the poor trying to live for a few days more, the rich trying to live forever.

Blessed are the responsible well off rich people, the Zacchaeus people of this world who are enlightened and see the social and human reality and are determined to use their influence and resources to change it for the better. They are agents of change and have compassion for the poor, exploited and the abused, and they dedicate their talents, wealth and efforts to change this unjust divide between the haves and have not. But it’s not an easy task. In Davos, Switzerland the world leaders have lost their way. Greed and excess has damaged the world economy and they can’t fix it [...]

Read the full story >>  The Great Poverty Divide

Criminal intent, not number of properties, is key in Corona trial—Sen. Santiago

By TJ Burgonio
Philippine Daily Inquirer

MANILA, Philippines – While probably terrified of her, prosecutors at the House of Representatives may have found an ally in Senator Miriam Defensor-Santiago, who thinks there’s been too much ado over the prosecution’s “flip-flop” on the number of Chief Justice Renato Corona’s properties.

“There is a Latin phrase we often use, ‘falsus in unum falsus in omnibus’ [false in one thing, false in everything ]. If a witness is caught lying in one detail, he has been lying in other details,” Santiago said in a telephone interview.

However, regardless of the number of properties, Santiago said, the more important issue was whether there has been  “criminal intention” on the part of the respondent not to declare his assets, which she said would constitute “proof of a high crime.”

“If it appears indicative of a criminal intent, there’s no need to go to the other properties. One or two examples would suffice,” she said, quickly adding, “Unless he has an explanation acceptable to a  reasonable man.”

So far, in their presentations on Article 2, Corona’s alleged failure to disclose his statements of assets, liabilities and net worth, the prosecution “attempted to show certain irregularities.” The defense, however, has been able to [...]

Read the full story >>  Criminal intent, not number of properties, is key in Corona trial—Sen. Santiago

Prosecution insists on getting CJ bank records

By Christina Mendez
The Philippine Star

MANILA, Philippines – The prosecution panel yesterday reiterated the need to subpoena the bank records of Chief Justice Renato Corona in a bid to bolster allegations in relation to the failure of the chief magistrate to truthfully declare information in his statements of assets, liabilities and net worth (SALNs).

Prosecution spokesman Rep. Miro Quimbo said the members of the defense team and bank executives cannot invoke the confidentiality rule under the Bank Secrecy Law before the impeachment court.

“The banks cannot refuse the subpoena of impeachment court. It is the highest court, it is in fact a Constitutional Court. The secrecy of bank deposits is not above the impeachment court. In fact an impeachment is a clear exemption to the Secrecy of Bank Deposit Law,” Quimbo stressed.

Quimbo accused the defense of trying hide the truth from the public when it repeatedly objected to the prosecution’s move to subpoena Corona’s records with two banks.

As regards foreign bank deposits, Quimbo said the prosecution would understand the banks’ stand against the subpoena but the law has made exception as regards impeachment proceedings.

“We can understand the banks will hesitate because they would want as much as possible not to reveal (those records for the protection of the) banking system but precisely that’s why the law makes exceptions, the law is very specific. Impeachment is one exemption when it comes to secrecy of bank deposits,” he said [...]

Read the full story >>  Prosecution insists on getting CJ bank records

‘5 or 10 or 20 or 45, Corona did not declare these assets’

By Gil C. Cabacungan, TJ Burgonio
Philippine Daily Inquirer

Spokespersons of the prosecution in the trial of impeached Chief Justice Renato Corona on Friday said the criticism directed at it for its failure to present proof of his purported 45 properties is not only undeserved but also missed the point of the impeachment.

“They claimed we have lost the case because we only presented 25 and not 45 [properties]. But whether it is 5 or 10 or 20 or 45, the point is he did not disclose and declare them for years. And why were these declared at very low values? It’s like he’s hiding something, like where did he get the money to pay for these?”  Aurora Rep. Juan Edgardo Angara said.

The lawmaker also said saying sorry would not cut it for Corona, who is expected to argue that his omissions in his statements of assets, liabilities and net worth (SALNs) were not enough grounds for his ouster.

Apology acceptable if…

“[The apology] will be acceptable if he makes it voluntarily and before there was a full-blown trial,” Angara said. “Clearly, it will [...]

Read the full story >>  ‘5 or 10 or 20 or 45, Corona did not declare these assets’

Corona, Megaworld & SC 2004 decision

By Atty Batas Mauricio
Zamboanga Today

LIFE’S INSPIRATIONS: “… Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love…” (Ephesians 4:2, the Holy Bible).

LACK OF PREPARATION HOUNDS PROSECUTION: Well, I am now inclined to believe that before they filed the impeachment articles against Chief Justice Renato Corona with the Senate for trial, the 188 congressmen who signed and endorsed it did not really prepare their cases, as they even failed to research Corona’s decisions as a justice of the Supreme Court involving the companies where he supposedly bought his posh properties.
Otherwise, they would have found out that on March 31, 2004, or more than six years before he became chief justice, Corona authored a decision in the case entitled “Megaworld Properties and Holdings, Inc. vs. Hon. Judge Benedicto Cobarde”, and docketed as G.R. No. 156200.

THE PEOPLE HAVE A RIGHT TO KNOW: In that decision, concurred in by then Justices Conchita Carpio Morales and Angelina Sandoval Gutierrez, the Supreme Court favored Megaworld by striking down a Court of Appeals’ decision requiring Megaworld to pay some P25 million to a couple who acted as agents over a vast beachfront property which Megaworld contracted to develop. In other words, Megaworld was spared the agony of paying P25 million to the couple, which the Court of Appeals earlier  [...]

Read the full story >>   Corona, Megaworld & SC 2004 decision

Supreme Court should fire Midas, solon says

Source: ABS-CBNnews.com 

MANILA, Philippines – The Supreme Court should sack spokesman and administrator Jose Midas Marquez for abusing his position, Akbayan party-list Rep. Walden Bello said Wednesday.

Bello has filed House Resolution 2103 calling for Marquez’s removal from office.

Bello, in a press statement, said Marquez caused pubic anger by failing to separate the interests of impeached Chief Justice Renato Corona and the Supreme Court.

He said Marquez should step down “to prevent the further erosion of the people’s trust in the highest court of the land.”

“We are pulling all stops to prevent Mr. Marquez from escaping accountability for his abuse of office,” he added.

He mentioned Section 3 of Presidential Decree 842, as amended, that describes the qualifications, appointment and tenure of the members of the Office of the Court Administrator in the Supreme Court.

The decree states that “The Court Administrator and the Deputy Court Administrators may be removed or relieved for just cause by a vote of not less than eight (8) Justices of the Supreme Court.”

Bello said the way Marquez has been defending himself puts the credibility of the Supreme Court [...]

Read the full story >>  Supreme Court should fire Midas, solon says

Lito Lapid Pampanga’s pride, shame

By Inquirer Central Luzon
Tonette Orejas

CITY OF SAN FERNANDO—Kapampangan pride received either a boost or a beating depending on who you ask among the cabalen of Senator Manuel “Lito” Lapid concerning his first-ever “performance” at the Senate impeachment trial of Chief Justice Renato Corona.

For a few minutes, the action star-turned-lawmaker, not exactly known for eloquence but more for his membership in the so-called committee on silence, rose confidently on Day 10 of the trial to throw questions in Filipino at a prosecution witness from the Security and Exchange Commission.

Lapid took to the floor on Wednesday at the time when he was in the media spotlight albeit for an entirely different case closer to home: His wife Marissa was charged with dollar smuggling in the United States last week.

Kapampangan musician Irwin Nucum was hardly impressed by what he saw. He dismissed as “insignificant,” for example, Lapid’s question on the difference between a “cash advance” and a “loan.” [...]

Read the full story >>  Lito Lapid Pampanga’s pride, shame

Grace Lee: PNoy courts ‘like any normal guy’

BY ROWENA JOY A. SANCHEZ
MANILA BULLETIN

 

MANILA, Philippines – Following President Noynoy Aquino’s admission that they are dating, TV and radio personality Grace Lee has become more open in disclosing some details about their burgeoning bond.

Despite holding the highest post in the country, PNoy’s courtship style remains “normal,” according to the Philippines-based Korean.

“I don’t know about calling everyday, I don’t wanna divulge too much details, pero yes very normal, like any normal guy,” Grace said in an interview on “24 Oras,” Feb. 2.

She has also received “a couple of chocolates and flowers” from the chief executive.

“He’s just very sweet,” Grace added.

Although she’s been part of the entertainment industry for some years now, Grace is still surprised by the outpour of attention she’s receiving. Reporters and photographers of international wire agencies, such as Agence-France Presse, were seen tailing her on Thursday, “24 Oras” stated.

It took a while for the GMA-7 showbiz reporter to speak up about PNoy because she “wanted this to be more private.”

“We’re still at the stage of getting to know each other. And I didn’t want so many people having so much to say about what’s going on between us… I don’t think I’m gonna waste my time, spending hours of my day trying to know a man if [...]

Read the full story >>   Grace Lee: PNoy courts ‘like any normal guy’

GMA News TV to air documentaries on Marcos, Aquino on EDSA anniversary

Source: GMA News

GMA News TV commemorates the Edsa Anniversary this year by airing two powerful documentaries on former Philippine Presidents: “Marcos: The Fall of a Dictator” and “Cory Aquino: The Housewife Who Led a Revolution”.  Commissioned by and first aired on History Channel Asia, the documentaries include valuable archival video of the Marcos era and Martial Law years as well as of the Edsa Revolution and Aquino’s first years in office — footage few of today’s youth have ever seen.

DISCLAIMER: Commentaries or articles may be submitted for publication. However, the commentaries and articles submitted by writers and readers for publication do not necessarily reflect the views of Global Balita and its Editor. The Editor does not knowingly publish false information and may not be held liable for the views of writers and readers exercising their right to free expression. Global Balita and its Editor reserve the right to reject any commentary or article submitted for publication.

Corona’s secret stash in cash

BY AMADO P. MACASAET
MALAYA

‘A clear pattern is emerging. Corona’s true wealth is either not declared or undervalued in his SALN.’

THE impeachment trial of Chief Justice Renato Corona is about to take a crucial turn.

The prosecution has just filed more requests for subpoenas for the submission of bank records that are expected to raise legal issues involving the secrecy of foreign currency deposits.

These accounts are expected to open a can of worms. Do not be surprised to see defense lawyers frothing in their mouths trying to block the damning evidence.

Fact is, since Corona joined the Supreme Court in 2002, he declared under oath no more than P3.5 million in cash. If copies of bank documents relating to a dollar account in the name of Corona are accurate, he appears to have at some point at least US$700,000 or about P34 Million deposited in a PSBank account as of October 2008.

These funds, as well as those deposited in several other accounts in PSBank also covered by the request for subpoena, were never declared in Corona’s Statement of Assets, Liabilities and Net Worth (SALN) [...]

Read the full story >>  Corona’s secret stash in cash

Corona bank deposits allowed to be opened 

ON the 12th day of the impeachment trial of Chief Justice Renato Corona, the court granted a prosecution request to subpoena bank documents under the account name of the magistrate.

Presiding officer Senate President Juan Ponce Enrile said the resolution “was simply to authorize the issuance of a subpoena, and whether those evidence subpoenaed are admissible evidence, given the fact that they apparently appear in violation of existing law, is a question that must be resolved in due course.”

“I hope that is understood. We are not prejudging the admissibility or non-admissibility of this evidence and this issue will come up at that point when the subpoenaed material and testimonies are offered in evidence,” he said.

Subpoenaed to appear before the court tomorrow are bank managers of the BPI branch at the SGV Building along Ayala Ave., Makati City and the PSBank branch on Katipunan Ave. in Quezon City.

The PSBank manager was ordered to bring bank records of Corona’s 10 accounts, showing balances as of  [...]

Read the full story >> Corona bank deposits allowed to be opened

Day 12: Highlights of Corona impeachment trial at the Senate

Call to Order

• At 2:11 p.m., the trial was resumed.
• Senator-judge Miriam Defensor-Santiago was absent.

ITRs of Corona’s son-in-law

• Presiding officer and Senate President Juan Ponce Enrile, over the objection of Chief Justice Renato Corona’s lead defense counsel Serafin Cuevas, allowed private prosecutor Arthur Lim to resume his direct examination of the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) chief even though cross-examination had started.
• BIR commissioner Kim Henares produced the income tax returns (ITRs) from 2005 to 2010 of Corona son-in-law Constantino T. Castillo III (husband of Carla Corona), which were marked in court.
• Enrile did not allow Lim to read the contents of Castillo’s ITRs for “propaganda” purposes, and chided Lim for pointing out “unnecessary details” in describing the documents.
• The presiding officer Enrile added that the impeachment court will not accept evidence on paragraph 2.4 on allegations of ill-gotten wealth because the Senate has disallowed this.
• After Enrile stressed that the prosecution must demonstrate the relevance of the ITRs to Article II on lack of disclosure in Corona’s Statements of Assets, Liabilities and Net worth (SALNs), Lim said they were trying to show that the La Vista property belongs to Corona because his daughter and her husband did not have the financial capacity to buy the P18 million property.
• The prosecution also presented a deed of sale for shares at the exclusive The Palms Country Club from Filinvest in the name of Corona and his wife, that were not declared in his SALN.

BIR ‘investigating’ Corona [...]

Rad the full story >>   Day 12: Highlights of Corona impeachment trial at the Senate

Prosecution: Corona opened $700K bank account in 2008

The document indicated that a certain Renato Geronado Corona opened a bank account with an initial deposit of $700,000. It also showed that the depositor wrote “income and investments” as the source of the money.

The prosecution, however, noted in its request that it “cannot vouch for the authenticity of the said documents.”

“The prosecution believes that it is its duty to submit the documents to this honorable impeachment court, as they may have a bearing on the court’s resolution of the pending request for subpoena,” the supplemental request read [...]

Read the full story >>  Prosecution: Corona opened $700K bank account in 2008

Henares cites discrepancies in Corona’s SALNs

MANILA, Philippines (1st UPDATE) – Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) Commissioner Kim Henares said she found several discrepancies in the Statements of Assets, Liabilities and Net worth (SALNs) vis a vis the income tax returns (ITRs) of Chief Justice Renato Corona, which pushed her to launch a separate tax investigation.

During her re-direct examination on day 12 of the impeachment trial, Henares said nine properties were not included in Corona’s 2002 SALN.

These properties, as well as the La Vista and Marikina properties, were omitted in the 2003 SALN. She said Corona stated his net worth in his SALN to be P7 million, when it should have indicated a net worth of P14 million.

For 2004, Henares said that Corona should have disclosed a P21-million net worth, instead of [...]

Read the full story >>  Henares cites discrepancies in Corona’s SALNs

What is ‘public trust?’

By Christina Mendez
The Philippine Star

MANILA, Philippines –  How can a government official be held accountable for negligence or dishonesty in public office or negligence in the entries in his statement of assets, liabilities and net worth (SALN)? What is betrayal of public trust?

Are these impeachable offenses?

Senate President Juan Ponce Enrile, presiding officer in the impeachment trial of Chief Justice Renato Corona, has ordered the defense and prosecution to define public trust and betrayal of public trust.

Dishonesty became a buzzword after prosecutors of the House of Representative asserted that Corona had demonstrated dishonesty in his non-declaration of some properties in his SALN.

The prosecution said such dishonesty constitutes betrayal of public trust, an impeachable offense under the Constitution.

However, retired Supreme Court Justice Serafin Cuevas, the lead defense counsel, said Corona’s apparent failure to  [...]

Read the full story >>   What is ‘public trust?’

Aquino admin finally submits its version of FOI bill to House

UPDATED 5:00 p.m. – The Aquino administration has finally submitted to the House of Representatives its version of the Freedom of Information (FOI) bill which aims to promote transparency by giving people greater access to government information.

In his speech during the 112th anniversary of the Manila Bulletin on Thursday, President Benigno Aquino III said the FOI bill was sent to their coalition partners in the Lower House that day.

“We want every other administration voted into power to work under the same standard of transparency and accountability that we have set for ourselves. This is a significant step toward achieving that goal,” he said.

Deputy presidential spokesperson Abigail Valte said the FOI bill may not be included in the priority bills of the administration but its passage will be pursued vigorously.

“The FOI version we submitted yesterday was crafted way after decision on the 13 priority measures was made, President Aquino has finally authorized a version and we will pursue it vigorously,” Valte said in a text message to reporters.

Last month, Aquino ordered his Cabinet to ‘push ahead’ with  [...]

Read the full story >>  Aquino admin finally submits its version of FOI bill to House

President Noynoy As Starmaker

President Benigno Aquino III and Grace Lee
(Photo by Richard Viñas)

Just a thought: At the touch of love everyone becomes a poet. – Plato

MANILA, Philippines — Pnoy As Starmaker: By virtue of Pres. Noynoy Aquino’s bachelor status, he has unwittingly become today’s hottest starmaker.

Every girl who gets linked to the 51-year-old President attains celebrity status that often leads to a showbiz career. Some of the women who had been linked to the President include Shalani Soledad, Liz Uy, and now, Grace Lee.

Recently married Shalani Soledad is a case in point. A simple, small-town councilor at the time she dated PNoy, Shalani went on to pursue a TV career as co-host to Willie Revillame on “Willing Willie.”

These days, the media’s eyes are focused on Grace Lee, a GMA News TV broadcaster, radio host, and a columnist of  [...] 

Dionisia Pacquiao says she suffered from ‘spiritual disease’

Source: ABS-CBNnews.com

MANILA, Philippines – Dionisia Pacquiao, more popularly known as Mommy D, is back in the limelight, sharing with her fans what she went through during her four-month absence from show business.

The mother of boxing champ Manny Pacquiao said she suffered from unexplained swelling in different parts of her body — from her tummy to her feet. She said, however, that it is not life-threatening.

Dionisia said it is a “spiritual disease,” the same one she experienced in 2000.

“Sakit na hindi naman nakakatakot, sakit na hindi pisikal. Spiritual ba,” she said in an interview with Korina Sanchez on radio dzMM on Friday. “Pero wala na, di na sila nakaganito sa akin.”

Dionisia said she consulted the help of an albularyo (folk healer) in Cavite to treat her illness which, she hinted, is kulam (a form of hex where rag dolls are stabbed with needles, causing unbearable pain to the intended victim).

She said some people may have done this out of jealousy. “Sobrang inggit, may naiinggit sa akin. Sobrang inggit, sabi ng [...] 

Miriam hits ‘Brenda’ attacks

By  Marlon Purificacion
Journal Online

SENATOR-JUDGE Miriam Defensor Santiago yesterday lambasted the alleged attempt by her enemies to use her mental health condition to pressure her in the impeachment trial of Supreme Court Chief Justice Renato Corona.

In a press statement sent to Senate media, Santiago said any attempt to resurrect the age-old issue of mental health is a dead give-away that the personal attacks are part of an orchestrated smear campaign.

‘As the last ploy of desperation, it was used against me during the 1992 presidential campaign. It always resurfaces when, in my crusade against corruption, I make enemies who are so filthy rich that they hire an expensive PR firm specializing in dirty tricks,” said Santiago.

The veteran senator informed the media that she would no longer answer any question from the media to respond to personal attacks.

The senator gave two reasons: First, taking the debate outside of the courtroom would distract the public discourse on the issues raised by the impeachment trial and second, it would raise her blood pressure that could make her suffer [...]

Read the full story >>  Miriam hits ‘Brenda’ attacks 

DISCLAIMER: Commentaries or articles may be submitted for publication. However, the commentaries and articles submitted by writers and readers for publication do not necessarily reflect the views of Global Balita and its Editor. The Editor does not knowingly publish false information and may not be held liable for the views of writers and readers exercising their right to free expression. Global Balita and its Editor reserve the right to reject any commentary or article submitted for publication.

‘I am not guilty, I don’t want trial’

BY AMADO P. MACASAET
MALAYA

‘In this sense, it is Gloria Arroyo who is under trial. If Chief Justice Corona is not convicted, Mrs. Arroyo’s majority of eight jurists will save her from the gallows.’

FIRST, the Chief Justice declared upon impeachment that he did no wrong and was prepared to face trial.

Second, he declared that anybody who can find the 45 or so pieces of properties in five cities of Metro Manila in his name and that of his wife will get them. Upon his written permission, of course.

Third, the prosecution was furnished machine copies of his “initial deposit” of $700,000 in a savings bank in Quezon City. Now he objects to the production of the records for examination by the senators sitting as judges in the impeachment trial.

Now comes Chief Justice Renato Corona filing a petition with the Supreme Court seeking to stop the impeachment trial.

The petition, denied or granted, does not prove his claim of having done no wrong. He does not want to defend himself as he said he was ready to, in fact in full battle gear to face his accusers, namely President Aquino, who he said wants  [...]

Read the full story >>  ‘I am not guilty, I don’t want trial’