Corona arraigned on perjury, SALN today

MANILA, Philippines - Ousted chief justice Renato Corona is expected to appear before the Sandiganbayan today for his arraignment on charges of perjury and violation of Republic Act 6713, the code of conduct and ethical standards for public officials and employees.

Despite Corona’s motion to dismiss the cases against him, Dennis Pulma, the anti-graft court’s Third Division clerk of court, said the arraignment has not been moved.

Presiding Justice Amparo Cabotaje-Tang, who chairs the Third Division, has affirmed the August 2015 decision rejecting Corona’s appeal to dismiss the charges.

Corona is accused of failing to truthfully declare properties in his statements of assets, liabilities and net worth (SALNs) from 2004 to 2012.

He has filed a motion for reconsideration after his appeal for judicial determination of probable cause was denied.

Corona’s motion to quash will be heard today, Pulma said.

The former chief justice’s defense lawyers are expected to move for the postponement of the arraignment pending the resolution of his motion for reconsideration.