By Joann Santiago
MANILA, Aug. 14 (PNA) — Malacanang officials said on Friday the indictment of former Chief Justice Renato Corona for perjury before the Sandiganbayan only affirmed the soundness of the charges against the former magistrate.
Presidential Communications Operations Office (PCOO) Secretary Herminio Coloma Jr., in a statement, said the indictment “is based on the same offense that merited the former Chief Justice’s conviction in the impeachment trial.”
”Let the ends of justice be served,” he said.
Also, Deputy Presidential Spokesperson Abigail Valte said the Sandiganbayan’s decision validated the current administration’s belief.
”It shows that our position has always been grounded on facts and not blind animosity against the former Chief Justice Corona as he would have the public believe,” she stressed.
Sandiganbayan on Thursday indicted Corona for failure to declare his real assets in his Statement of Assets and Liabilities and Net Worth (SALN) from 2004 to 2012.
He faces eight counts of perjury and eight counts of violation of Republic Act No. 6713, otherwise known as the Code of Conduct and Ethical Standards for Public Officials and Employees.
Corona, the 23rd Chief Justice of the Supreme Court (SC), was impeached on Dec. 12, 2011.
On July 2, 2012, the Senate found him guilty of betraying public trust and of committing culpable violation of the Constitution. (PNA)