Supreme Court OKs release of Corona's retirement benefits

The Supreme Court (SC) has approved the immediate release of the retirement benefits and other allowances of the late Chief Justice Renato Corona to his widow, saying his removal by impeachment in 2012 did not bar him or his family from receiving them.

In a decision dated January 12, the SC granted the request of Corona’s widow, Ma. Cristina, for the release of retirement benefits equivalent to a five-year lump sum of the salary and other allowances he was receiving at the time of his removal on May 29, 2012 as well as survivorship pension.

Senators removed Corona from office for his failure to declare his real income in his Statement of Assets, Liabilities and Net Worth (SALN). He later faced several charges including tax evasion, perjury, and violation of the Code of Conduct and Ethical Standards for Public Officials and Employees as well as a forfeiture case.

These cases, however, were terminated upon his death due to cardiac arrest on April 29, 2016.

“The effects of a judgment on an impeachment complaint extends no further than to removal from office and disqualification from holding any public office,” the SC said through Associate Justice Ramon Paul Hernando.

“How, then, will a failure to judicially convict for any liability post-impeachment affect the employment status, retirement benefits, survivorship pension, and other emoluments pertaining to the impeached?”

No law has been passed that mandates the automatic cancellation of Corona’s post-employment benefits and other privileges, the justices said, adding they considered Corona to have been involuntarily retired from public service following his removal by impeachment.

Corona served as an associate justice of the high court from April 9, 2002 until his appointment to the top judicial post in May 2010.

“The late Chief Justice practically lived and died a public servant and thus entitled to retirement benefits, which the Court finds no rhyme or reason to withhold from him,” the SC said. —KBK, GMA News