Defense proves Corona has enough to acquire properties

Supreme Court cash and disbursement division chief Araceli Bayuga stood as witness in the impeachment court Wednesday and was able to prove that the Chief Justice has enough funds to acquire numerous real estate properties, opposite to the statement of prosecutors.

According to lead defense counsel Serafin Cuevas, Bayuga verified that Corona produced considerable profits as he became an associate justice in 2002 to the current as chief justice.

Bayuga said that CJ obtain more than Php 21 million in earnings, allowances and further emoluments from 2002 to 2011.

Cuevas explained to Sen. Antonio Trillanes IV that they chose Bayuga as a witness for he can show the different compensation, benefits and other allowances received by the Chief Justice, and can explain at least its sources.

The defense team also showed Senate Electoral Tribunal secretary Irene Guevarra and House of Representatives Electoral Tribunal secretary Girlie Salarda as witnesses to prove that CJ also acquired substantial payment as affiliate of the two bodies.

Guevarra stressed that the CJ joined them for 18 months, and was able to receive Php 20,000 as monthly allowance; Php 19,000 as extra for non-ordinary expenses and Php 81,000 as extra allowable expenses.

On the other hand, Defense panel spokesperson Karen Jimeno said the statements of Bayuga, Guevarra and Salarda shaped a great part of the picture which they wished to disclose in the impeachment court. — ARA