Corona seeks dismissal of criminal cases

MANILA, Philippines - Ousted chief justice Renato Corona has asked the Sandiganbayan to dismiss the criminal cases of perjury and violation of Republic Act 6713, or the Code of Conduct and Ethical Standards for Public Officials and Employees, filed against him by the Office of the Ombudsman.

Lawyer Dennis Pulma, clerk of Sandiganbayan’s third division, said Corona filed a motion for judicial determination of probable cause after posting P160,000 bail on Wednesday.

Pulma said the anti-graft court would hear the petition on April 11.

Corona challenged the ombudsman’s findings during a preliminary investigation, which led to the filing of criminal cases against him.

Pulma said the pleading would have to be resolved first before an arraignment and pre-trial conference could be scheduled.

Corona is facing perjury for alleged false declaration of wealth in his statement of assets, liabilities and net worth from 2001 to 2011.

He and his wife Cristina are also facing a civil case for forfeiture before the Sandiganbayan for allegedly acquiring unexplained wealth amounting to P130.3 million.

Last week, Ombudsman Conchita Carpio-Morales ordered the filing of criminal and civil charges against the Coronas after denying their motions for reconsideration for a reversal of the findings of graft investigators.