Corona arraignment postponed

MANILA, Philippines - The Sandiganbayan deferred yesterday the arraignment of ousted chief justice Renato Corona on charges of perjury and violation of Republic Act 6713, the code of conduct and ethical standards for public officials and employees.

The anti-graft court’s Third Division moved the arraignment to March 30.

Corona, who appeared before the court with his wife Cristina, is accused of failing to truthfully declare properties in his statements of assets, liabilities and net worth from 2004 to 2012.

Corona has filed a motion for reconsideration after Presiding Justice Amparo Cabotaje-Tang, who chairs the Third Division, denied his appeal to dismiss the charges.

The former chief justice is facing eight counts of perjury and eight counts of violation of RA 6713.

Corona’s lawyers were able to convince the Sandiganbayan that his arraignment should not push through until the court resolves his motion for reconsideration.