Corona defends media interviews

MANILA, Philippines - Chief Justice Renato Corona Jr. today defended his various interviews with the media to air his side on allegations that he has committed culpable violation of the Constitution as well as betrayal of public trust by amassing unexplained wealth.

Allies of President Benigno Aquino III have criticized Corona's action as conduct unbecoming of a magistrate.

"I've always wanted to air my side, and it's unfair that only the prosecution gets to air theirs," Corona said.

Prosecutors, however, said that Corona is defending himself by publicity while Justice Secretary Leila de Lima said Corona's media interviews were conduct unbecoming of a chief justice.

"It's just proper that I explain both in the impeachment court and through the media," Corona said.

Corona revealed in television and radio interviews yesterday that he was consulted by the Aquino administration in 2010 about Executive order 1, which sought to establish a Truth Commission that would have investigated alleged corruption during the administration of Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo.

The Supreme Court said that the creation of a Truth Commission will violate the Constitutional guarantee of equal protection of laws.

Corona also disclosed that he was asked by Senator Teofisto "TG" Guingona III, who ran under Aquino's Liberal Party in the 2010 polls, if he would be willing to retire early to give way to Justice Antonio Carpio, a rival of Corona in the top judiciary post.

Guingona denied Corona's statement.

In separate media interviews on Wednesday, Corona also announced that he will open records of his dollar deposits with the Philippine Savings Bank at the Senate impeachment trial next week.

He added that he is also willing to testify and explain his wealth before the senator-judges.

Malacañang, meanwhile, said it was pleased about the willingness of Corona and his wife, Cristina, to testify before the Senate impeachment court. Upon resumption of the trial next week, the defense panel is expected to present Cristina as a witness.