Corona submits unconditional waiver to open bank accounts, release SALNs

by MARK MERUEÑAS, GMA News

Published May 25, 2012 2:33pm

(Updated 3:00 p.m.) - Chief Justice Renato Corona on Friday submitted his "unconditional waiver" to the Senate, sitting as an impeachment court. In resuming his testimony, Corona said he was now willing to submit a signed waiver allowing the Senate impeachment court to examine his peso and dollar bank accounts, even if members of the prosecution and Sen. Franklin Drilon no longer doing so. "I am submitting my waiver kahit wala na po iyong sa iba," Corona said.

Last Tuesday, Corona signed a "conditional waiver" allowing the opening of his bank accounts and the release of his Statement of Assets, Liabilities and Net Worth (SALN).

Corona however said the waiver would only be effective provided that the 188 congressmen who signed his impeachment complaint and Drilon sign a similar waiver too.

With the exception of a few lawmakers, most congressmen and Drilon all refused to take Corona's challenge, saying Corona was the one being tried now and not them.

Prosecutor Mario Bautista opposed the submission of the unconditional waiver.

"That is an inadmissable evidence. Even if testimony is admitted, it has little evidentiary value," Bautista said.

As of posting time, senator-judges are in a three-minute break to discuss the developments.

Presidential spokesperson Edwin Lacierda refused to comment on Corona’s decision to submit the unconditional waiver.

“(It is still) premature to comment,” he said in a text message to GMA News Online. – with Amita O. Legaspi/KG/VS, GMA News

Tags: coronaimpeachment, renatocorona