Sandiganbayan junking of forfeiture case a vindication for Corona, says family

The camp of the late former Chief Justice Renato Corona on Friday welcomed the Sandiganbayan decision junking the P134 million forfeiture case that the government filed against them, saying it was a long awaited justice.

“We had faith in our justice system all these years. The decision is true and just. It is a vindication for Chief Justice Renato Corona. May his soul find eternal rest,” the family said in a statement.

“The Corona family is grateful to the Sandiganbayan, and to our dedicated lawyers Attys. Ramon Esguerra, Carlos Villaruz, Gilyn Loja, and Aster Araneta. We would also like to thank all those who prayed, defended and showed unwavering support for Chief Justice Corona and his family all these years. Most of all, we thank our Lord for His infinite wisdom and grace,” the family added.

In a separate statement, Corona’s son, Francis, said such dismissal of the forfeiture raps is a longstanding burden finally lifted off the family’s shoulders.

“This decision in favor of the Corona family is like a sharp piece of glass taken out from under my skin. We respected the rule of law. We trusted the judicial system. I can now go to my father's grave and tell him that his name is cleared and that he may now happily rest in peace,” Francis said in a separate statement.

The Corona family’s legal counsel Villaruz also released a separate statement.

“Chief Justice Renato C. Corona’s wife, Mrs. Cristina Corona, and their children, cannot contain their happiness and joy with the Sandiganbayan’s dismissal of the forfeiture case against them. With this recent court decision, they are sure that Chief Justice Corona is cheering and smiling in heaven,” he said.

“They thank God for this wonderful blessing, and to all those who joined them in prayer, and supported them during these difficult and heart-breaking times. They also give their utmost gratitude to the Honorable Justices of the Sandiganbayan who ensured that true justice and the rule of law would be upheld,” he added.

The Sandiganbayan earlier junked the at least P134 million forfeiture case against the Corona family due to lack of evidence.

"At most, respondent Chief Justice Corona may be held guilty of simple negligence for having failed to ascertain that his SALNs were  accomplished properly, accurately, and in more detail. Such an administrative case could have been imposed upon him, however, it was preempted by his death,” the Sandiganbayan said.

“Such non-declarations or misdeclarations are innocuous mistakes that do not signal the accumulation of unexplained wealth, though they may signify a degree of carelessness,” the court added.—Llanesca Panti/AOL, GMA Integrated News