Palace to Corona: Nothing personal in impeachment trial

MANILA, Philippines – The Aquino administration has nothing personal against Chief Justice Renato Corona, the Palace reiterated on Tuesday, May 22, after Corona accused the President of using state resources to bring him down in his testimony before the impeachment court.

“The Chief Justice does not understand that the quest for accountability is not a personal attack against him, but rather, the proper exercise of the obligation to punish offenses against the people,” said Deputy Presidential Spokesperson Abigail Valte in a statement.

“Having been given his day in court, he has demonstrated how lacking he is in understanding the institutions that have been called to hold him to account to the people,” Valte said.

In his opening statement, Corona said his “conscience is clear,” he has done no wrong, and the allegations against him are “all lies.”

He said President Aquino was trying to destroy him because his family lost in the Hacienda Luisita case before the Supreme Court.

Corona said his possessions were the result of “honest” work and years of saving. He then broke down during his speech. (Watch the video below)

That his wealth matches his assets, among other things, highlights Corona’s statements on the merits of the case against him. (Read: 10 truths according to CJ Corona.) – Rappler.com