'Things of value must be in SALN'

MANILA, Philippines - Chief Justice Renato Corona must be able to explain why he failed to declare in his statements of assets, liabilities and net worth (SALN) the various firearms that he reportedly owned, Malacañang said yesterday.

Records of the Philippine National Police (PNP) Firearms and Explosives Office showed that Corona owns revolvers, high-powered machine guns, and even a vintage Winchester popularized by American cowboys in the 19th century.

“If the value of the assets is substantial, that has to be declared also in the SALN and that is something that he will have to answer why it is not declared – it is unreported asset on top of the bank deposits and the properties that were brought out in the impeachment trial,” deputy presidential spokesperson Abigail Valte said.

She refused to comment though on whether Corona was showing a pattern of dishonesty.

Valte failed to acknowledge the fact that President Aquino also owns a number of firearms.

Asked whether Corona should already take a leave of absence since he had been defending his personal issues already, Valte said only Corona could decide on that.

“Those questions are intended for the Chief Justice, and why he did not take a leave is something that only he can answer. There were calls for him to resign, for him to go on leave to isolate and not drag the judiciary in his impeachment trial. He has chosen not to do so,” she said.

Valte said it would also be up to the public to judge whether Corona was able to still perform his job effectively.

“Let’s see the pending cases in the Supreme Court, whether his claims would be supported or belied,” she said.

She added that the Chief Justice should stop picking on other people’s mistakes, including those from the administration, and just deal with his own problems.

Corona said earlier that the government was employing double standards when it criticized him and did not punish Presidential Political Adviser Ronald Llamas for buying pirated DVDs and owning guns.

He also cited the “luxurious perks” received by Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corp. chairman Cristino Naguiat Jr. from a casino operator.

“Nobody is stopping him from speaking before the media, let’s make that clear. That is his right. In the same way that it is also the right of President Aquino to talk about the issues that he feels he must weigh in on,” Valte said.