MANILA, Philippines - Sen. Francis Escudero expressed concern yesterday over the apparent high standard being set by prosecutors and judges on Chief Justice Renato Corona in relation to the filing of statement of assets, liabilities and net worth (SALN).
If that’s the case, Escudero pointed out that all top government officials should also adhere to strict standards as the Senate, sitting as an impeachment court, dwells on the issue of Corona’s SALN – filing, disclosure and truthfulness in the entries.
“Meaning, if you filed the SALN the same way, then it’s wrong. If you have not satisfied the ‘fill in the blanks’ then you should also be liable and removed from position. If not through impeachment, then through administrative proceedings,” the senator added.
The defense camp led by ex-justice Serafin Cuevas had been arguing that any apparent wrongful entries in the SALN, if indeed there were any, can be corrected under present laws.
Cuevas said it does not warrant removal from officer or perpetual disqualification from government office, which are the penalties to be meted against an official impeached for betrayal of public trust, and/or culpable violation of the Constitution.
In a media briefing last Friday, Escudero said he is hoping that the impeachment court could also invite Civil Service Commission (CSC) chairman Francisco Duque to the trial to determine the standards that the government should use in filing the SALN.
But he said he would not move to summon Duque and it will be up to the defense and/or prosecutors to bring him.
The senator also welcomed the CSC’s move to create a task force to review the procedures on SALN, and those submitted by government officials.
The rules should not only apply to the Chief Justice, but to all government officials, the senator said.
He asked if the House of Representatives will file another impeachment complaint against the Chief Justice until he is convicted, if by any chance he is acquitted.
Escudero said the entire country should not be held hostage by the impeachment issue because there are other concerns that needed the government’s primary attention, like the economy.
Time for reflection
The Corona family, on the other hand, will spend the Holy Week in prayer, taking a break from grueling activities related to the impeachment trial.
Speaking with reporters at the sideline of the Mass at the Supreme Court in his support last Friday, the Chief Justice said their family has been relying on the strength they were drawing from prayer.
Mrs. Corona gave the thanksgiving prayer in the Mass sponsored by Associate Justice Teresita Leonardo-de Castro.
She expressed gratitude for the continued outpouring of support for her husband amid his impeachment trial.
Officiating priest Fr. Sonny de Claro, parish priest of Ermita Church in Manila, asked everyone, including the media, to pray for the country amid these trying times.
The masses in the SC in support of the Chief Justice will resume in May.
Joker Arroyo: Retribution?
Meanwhile, Sen. Joker Arroyo said Sarangani Rep. Manny Pacquiao and former Manila mayor Lito Atienza may have been victims of harassment by the administration.
Arroyo said he sees “a pattern of harassment” launched against Pacquiao and Atienza who are perceived to be against the administration’s move to oust Corona from office.
– With Edu Punay