Senate President Pro-Tempore-judge Jinggoy Estrada voted for conviction of Chief Justice Renato Corona. The following is the text of his explanation:
"Magandang hapon po sa lahat.
"This trial and this court, the entire process, its completion is a historic redemption of our justice system. We owe that in great measure to the brilliance, sense of fairness and firm resolve of our presiding officer, no less the Senate President Juan Ponce Enrile. I say redemption because this same process failed to achieve justice for my own father, former President Joseph Ejercito Estrada. It failed because clearly the plan was to resolve the issue in the streets. And it failed sadly because the presiding officer at the trial of my father proved to be a partisan himself. Those sordid events led this nation to nine years under the rule of a woman, a small woman, who was installed by the rule of the mob and the imprimatur of a Supreme Court that succumbed to the pressure of that mob.
"I am more than sure that my father would have been given the chance to be heard fairly, justly and squarely katulad ng pagkakataon na ipinagkaloob ng impeachment court na ito kay Chief Justice Corona. Had the impeachment rules been strictly implemented then in 2001, those private prosecutors who disrespected this court by walking out, thus robbing my father the chance to defend himself, would not have been allowed to do so, much less be held in contempt.
"Today we confront and make history. We make a historic decision this day to pass judgment on the chief magistrate of the Supreme Court of this nation after 44 gruelling days of trial spread out in four difficult months. Our people followed this trial closely and in this exercise we have demonstrated to them and to the international community that our country adheres and subscribes to the supremacy of the democratic framework and the majesty in fulfilling the mandate of the most basic of all our laws – the Constitution of the Republic of the Philippines.
"Sa paglilitis na ating isinagawa sa harap ng sambayanang Pilipino, itinaguyod natin sa ating Senado ang itinadhana ng ating Saligang batas. Binigyang-buhay natin ang diwa ng mga proseso ng ating batas at bingyan natin ng patas na pagdinig ang panig ng taga-usig at ng nasasakdal.
"Today, I join the nation in a fervent prayer that we can begin healing the wounds inflicted by the pain of this trial. We pray that we can as soon as possible bring closure to this painful episode in the annals of our country. I pray that as we conclude this defining moment, we can unite again as a nation, as a society and attend to the many pressing problems that face us.
"I take the view after hearing the arguments and counter-arguments that the Chief Justice did not include in his Statement of Assets, Liabilities and Net Worth his SALN, US$ 2.4 million and 80.7 million pesos. – this he admitted in open court. Napatunayan ng depensa na hindi 45 properties, kung hindi 5 lamang. Hindi 82 dollar accounts, kundi 4 lamang. At hindi 10, 11, 12 million dollars, kung hindi 2.4 million dollars lamang. But these numbers are irrelevant because the most important question is: "Itong limang real properties, apat na dollar accounts na may halagang 2.4 million dollars ba ay idineklara ng tama? Idineklara ba ito sa takdang oras o panahon?" Ang sagot ko po ay hindi.
"It was argued by the defense panel that the non-inclusion of dollar deposits by the Chief Justice in his SALN was made in good faith and is covered by the provision of absolute confidentiality under the Foreign Currency Deposits Act. I regret to say that I am not convinced. Because the Chief Justice is a learned man of law. He is in fact, the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court – isang opisyal na hindi lamang malalim ang kaalaman sa batas, kundi isang opisyal na may tungkuling basahin kung ano ang ibig sabihin ng mga batas. Bilang Punong Mahistrado, siya ay dapat na may higit na kaalaman at pag-unawa sa diwa ng batas at tungkulin niyang ipatupad ito nang walang bahid na pagtatakip sa pansariling interes. And I believe that the framers of the Foreign Currency Deposit Act did not intend to create the opportunity for public officials to conceal their assets or stash away foreign currencies under this law.
"I therefore make this painful decision with a heavy heart but confident that we have given justice to our people. Sa kadahilanang ito, wala akong pag-aalinlangan ngayon na ang nasasakdal ay nagkasala at lumabag sa itinadhana ng ating Saligang Batas. Sa wikang Ingles, in my eyes, he is guilty.
"Maraming salamat po."
Tuesday, May 29, 2012
Ping Lacson Votes Guilty on Renato Corona
Ping Lacson Votes Guilty on Renato Corona
Here's the explanation of vote of Senator-Judge Panfilo Lacson on the 44th and final day of the impeachment trial of Chief Justice Renato Corona on Tuesday:
"When a witness takes the stand, he is first to tell the truth, the whole truth and nothing but the truth. That makes half-truths no better than lies.
"I have always been an investigator all my public service life. Modesty aside, I have the uncommon ability to determine if a person is telling the truth or not.
"An error in judgment has no place in this trial because it is final and irreversible. Equally important to me is the testimony of the respondent, particularly in this case, because the exalted position of the highest magistrate of the land must shut its door to anyone who desecrates the solemn oath that engulfs a testimony in any judicial proceeding.
"Over the weekend I did my homework and discernment. Let me share it with you.
"Chief Justice Renato Corona had at one point $ 3,977,790 and 87 cents. At a given time he had P91,280,499 and 22 centavos. If you ask me, so, what is the difference between $ 3.9 million and $ 2.4 million, between P91 million and P80.7 million? My answer is: a lot of money.
"Chief Justice Renato Corona used to work as a senior officer of the tax and corporate counseling group of the tax division of a prominent accounting firm, Sycip Gorres and Velayo and Company. He also taught commercial law, taxation and corporate law at the Ateneo de Manila University for 17 years. I find it hard to believe his testimony that he does not understand accounting.
"Chief Justice Corona testified under oath he invested in currencies and not in properties in the late 1960s, mindful of the Basa-Guidote family squabble over some real estate properties left by their deceased parents.
"The fact is, the family feud started in 1989. One cannot simply learn from the lessons of the future, even if the standards of moral fitness for such a lofty position in government were lowered, an acquittal may still be difficult to justify.
"Mr. President, distinguished colleagues, I therefore find the respondent guilty as charged under Article 2 of the Articles of Impeachment."
Twisted Interpretation of Law by Miriam Defensor Santiago
Twisted Interpretation of Law by Miriam Defensor Santiago
Senator-judge Miriam Defensor-Santiago voted to acquit Chief Justice Renato Corona. The following is her written explanation of her vote:
"The Constitution provides that in all criminal prosecutions, the accused shall be presumed innocent, until the contrary is proved. The burden of proof is on the prosecution. How much proof is necessary? In other words, what is the standard of proof? I have adopted the very high standard of "overwhelming preponderance of evidence." My standard is very high, because removal by conviction on impeachment is a stunning penalty, the ruin of a life.
"The defendant admitted that he did not declare his dollar accounts and certain commingled peso accounts in his SALN. Did this omission amount to an impeachable offense? No.
"Under the rule of ejusdem generis, when a general word occurs after a number of specific words, the meaning of the general word should be limited to the kind or class of thing within which the specific words fall. The Constitution provides that the impeachable offenses are: "culpable violation of the Constitution, treason, bribery, graft and corruption, other high crimes, or betrayal of public trust." An omission in good faith in the SALN carries a light penalty, and is even allowed to be corrected. Thus, it is not impeachable.
"The Constitution simply provides that a public officer shall submit a declaration under oath of his assets, liabilities, and net worth. That is all. There are no details. The Constitution is a brief declaration of fundamental principles. Many constitutional provisions are only commands to the Congress to enact laws to carry out the purpose of the charter.
"As a general rule, constitutional provisions are not self-executory. The usual exceptions are the Bill of Rights, and constitutional prohibitions. All other constitutional provisions, such as the SALN provision, need implementing laws to provide the details. Hence, Congress, to implement this constitutional provision, has passed a number of laws, including the Foreign Currency Act, which confers absolute confidentiality on dollar deposits.
"There is no conflict between the Constitution and the Foreign Currency Act. The perceived conflict is so simplistic that it is seriously laughable. If there is any conflict, it is between the Code of Conduct and Ethical Standards, which provides for a waiver of confidentiality; and the Foreign Currency Act, which provides for absolute confidentiality.
"It is for Congress to balance on the one hand, the need for public accountability from public officers; with, on the other hand, the desperate need for foreign investment, which entails confidentiality, on pain of driving away investors from our country. The argument that a dollar deposit protected from inquiry would nullify the principle of transparency is for Congress to resolve. We could retain the absolute confidentiality clause, with the amendment that Filipino public officers are not protected.
"The prosecution mistakes admission for confession. In a confession, the defendant admits guilt. In an admission, the defendant merely states facts, which might tend to prove his guilt. In the instant case, the defendant did not make a confession, but merely an admission, with a legal defense.
"As a former RTC judge, I find it reprehensible that the AMLA document was introduced in evidence, without authentication, as required by the Rules of Evidence. I am deeply disappointed that on at least three occasions, the prosecution claimed that its documents came from an anonymous source. Are you for real? Falsus in uno, falsus in omnibus. False in one thing, false in all things.
"The defendant used his own name in all his questioned transactions. He could have done otherwise, if his purpose was invisibility. Why would a suspected criminal leave his calling cards at the scene of the crime?
"Assuming for the sake of argument that there is a preponderance of evidence for the prosecution, the preponderance is not overwhelming."
"Would you be surprised if I vote not guilty?"
Renato Corona Judged Guilty
Senator-judge Franklin Drilon voted to convict Chief Justice Renato Corona. The following is his explanation:
"The Constitution commands the Respondent Chief Justice to file an accurate and complete SALN. This requirement is not a mere formality, as it goes into the heart of Respondent's moral fitness to hold public office.
"Respondent concealed his luxurious condominiums for 5 years after they were fully paid. Worse, Respondent reported the values of these condominiums at less than 50% of their acquisition cost.
"Respondent admits he did not declare 2.4 Million U.S. dollars, and 80 Million pesos, in his SALN. The enormity of Respondent's hidden assets – over 180 Million pesos, or 50 times more than his declared cash assets – is scandalous. It is grossly disproportionate to his total income for 10 years of about 27 Million pesos. It establishes a prima facie case of ill-gotten wealth under the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act.
"One hundred eight million pesos. Res Ipsa Loquitor. The thing speaks for itself.
"Respondent justifies his concealment of his dollar accounts because of the alleged confidentiality in R.A. 6426. This kind of interpretation will encourage aspiring thieves in government to simply hide all their loot in FCDU accounts. The law does not prohibit Respondent from disclosing his foreign currency deposits. It bars the bank from disclosing them without his consent. In fact, he authorized this court to inquire into them.
"How can Respondent, the Chief Justice no less, claim good faith in asserting such a twisted interpretation of the law? Besides, the defense of good faith cannot be invoked. The punishable act of non-reporting of assets in one's SALN is mala prohibita, where good faith is immaterial.
"Respondent concealed his 80 Million peso deposits because allegedly they are "commingled funds" of BGEI and that of his relatives.
"Respondent presented n o evidence to substantiate his claims. If BGEI funds are held in trust, respondent must report such funds as assets, and enter the corresponding liabilities, in his SALN. He did not. He cannot claim good faith. He was the manager of SGV's Tax Department.
"The Supreme Court dismissed Delsa Flores, a lowly court interpreter, for not reporting in her SALN her stall in a public market.
"The Chief Justice must be held to a much higher standard.
"Those who dispense justice must conform to the highest standards of professional integrity, and personal honesty. Chief Justice Corona knowingly, deliberately, and with malice aforethought, filed inaccurate and false SALNs to conceal his enormous wealth. Where our Constitution and our laws require disclosure, he chose the path of concealment. He has lost his moral fitness to serve the people. He has betrayed the public trust. He cannot be Chief Justice a minute longer.
"I found the Respondent guilty."
"The Constitution commands the Respondent Chief Justice to file an accurate and complete SALN. This requirement is not a mere formality, as it goes into the heart of Respondent's moral fitness to hold public office.
"Respondent concealed his luxurious condominiums for 5 years after they were fully paid. Worse, Respondent reported the values of these condominiums at less than 50% of their acquisition cost.
"Respondent admits he did not declare 2.4 Million U.S. dollars, and 80 Million pesos, in his SALN. The enormity of Respondent's hidden assets – over 180 Million pesos, or 50 times more than his declared cash assets – is scandalous. It is grossly disproportionate to his total income for 10 years of about 27 Million pesos. It establishes a prima facie case of ill-gotten wealth under the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act.
"One hundred eight million pesos. Res Ipsa Loquitor. The thing speaks for itself.
"Respondent justifies his concealment of his dollar accounts because of the alleged confidentiality in R.A. 6426. This kind of interpretation will encourage aspiring thieves in government to simply hide all their loot in FCDU accounts. The law does not prohibit Respondent from disclosing his foreign currency deposits. It bars the bank from disclosing them without his consent. In fact, he authorized this court to inquire into them.
"How can Respondent, the Chief Justice no less, claim good faith in asserting such a twisted interpretation of the law? Besides, the defense of good faith cannot be invoked. The punishable act of non-reporting of assets in one's SALN is mala prohibita, where good faith is immaterial.
"Respondent concealed his 80 Million peso deposits because allegedly they are "commingled funds" of BGEI and that of his relatives.
"Respondent presented n o evidence to substantiate his claims. If BGEI funds are held in trust, respondent must report such funds as assets, and enter the corresponding liabilities, in his SALN. He did not. He cannot claim good faith. He was the manager of SGV's Tax Department.
"The Supreme Court dismissed Delsa Flores, a lowly court interpreter, for not reporting in her SALN her stall in a public market.
"The Chief Justice must be held to a much higher standard.
"Those who dispense justice must conform to the highest standards of professional integrity, and personal honesty. Chief Justice Corona knowingly, deliberately, and with malice aforethought, filed inaccurate and false SALNs to conceal his enormous wealth. Where our Constitution and our laws require disclosure, he chose the path of concealment. He has lost his moral fitness to serve the people. He has betrayed the public trust. He cannot be Chief Justice a minute longer.
"I found the Respondent guilty."
Chief Justice Renato Corona is Guilty
The following is the explanation of Senator-judge Edgardo Angara on his verdict to convict Chief Justice Renato Corona:
"Sa nakalipas na limang buwan, ang atensyon ng sambayanan ay nakatuon sa impeachment trial ni Chief Justice Renato C. Corona. Mula sa pagiging pribadong abogado, siya ay nanungkulan sa ilalim ng dalawang Pangulo at nahirang bilang Punong Mahistrado—isang natatanging tagumpay para sa isang abogado, at ang pinakamataas na posisyon sa isa sa tatlong magkakapantay na sangay ng gobyerno.
"Ngunit napapaloob dito ay isa pang storya, ang kwento ng isang pamilya na pinagwatak watak ng mapait na away tungkol sa pagaari at pera. Tumagal ng tatlumpong taon ang away, nauwi sa demandahan—at humantong pa sa paglilitis na ito.
"Pera, kapangyarihan, away pamilya—ito ang ugat ng storya. Hindi ang lahat ng ito ay matutugunan natin sa paglilitis na ito, subalit hangad din natin na ito'y matuldukan.
"The question, quite simply, is the Chief Justice's alleged failure to disclose a true and complete statement of assets, as mandated by the Constitution, and whether this constitutes culpable violation of the Constitution and/or betrayal of public trust.
"The Constitution and our statutes[1] oblige every public official to make and submit "a complete disclosure of his assets, liabilities, and net worth in order to suppress any questionable accumulation of wealth".
"This obligatory constitutional rule seeks to eradicate corruption, promote transparency in government and maintain a standard of honesty in the public service.
"The Prosecution and the Defense were one in producing proof that the Chief Justice has bank accounts he did not declare in his SALN. Removing any iota of doubt about this vital fact was the Chief Justice himself who openly admitted before this Court that he has four (4) U.S. dollar accounts totaling U.S.$ 2.4 million, and three (3) peso accounts of P80.7 million.
"I may grant the Chief Justice's plea of honest mistake of judgment. But given his broad experience in public law and practice in investment advisory services, his willful and deliberate omission, together with the magnitude of the subject matter, amounts to a culpable violation—thus a failure meriting condemnation.
"The Chief Justice justified his willful failure to disclose his U.S. dollar accounts on the so-called absolute confidentiality provision of the Foreign Currency Deposit Act (R.A. 6426). However, it seems clear that the mantle of protection is extended to foreign depositors in the spirit of promoting foreign investment. The law was never intended to be a convenient device for Filipino public officials to conceal their assets.
"When the accounts were disclosed by no less than the Chief Justice, this left no prohibition against this Impeachment Court from admitting the evidence and weighing it on the scales of justice.
"The defense argues that the Ombudsman illegally obtained documents on Chief Justice's bank transactions because there was no pending case involving the subject bank accounts or any court order authorizing the production of such records.
"The defense, however, fails to consider that the documents produced by the Ombudsman were official records of the AMLC, which it receives from covered institutions pursuant to law. The Ombudsman has the power and authority to obtain these records from the AMLC pursuant to the Constitution and the Chief Justice's own SALN waiver.
"On the whole, the defense's main objection rings hollow since the Chief Justice himself admitted to the existence of the accounts, and the amounts they held—not to mention the fact that information on these were provided by witnesses presented by the defense panel themselves.
"The Supreme Court no less has said, "no position exacts a greater demand on moral righteousness and uprightness of an individual than a seat in the Judiciary."[3] As the head of the judiciary, a standard far higher is placed on Chief Justice Renato C. Corona.
"This impeachment trial breaks new ground. This Senate, sitting as judges, adopts its own rules and makes it own decisions. Within the bounds of the rule of law, it can initiate new doctrines and new precedents. Its pronouncement is the final word.
"It seems unnecessary for me to dwell further on the P80.7 million account the Chief Justice stated is commingled with the funds of his children and the Basa-Guidote family. But this fund could very well provide the seed of reconciliation for the two feuding branches of the family.
For these reasons, I find the Respondent GUILTY of the charge under Article II of the Articles of Impeachment."
"Sa nakalipas na limang buwan, ang atensyon ng sambayanan ay nakatuon sa impeachment trial ni Chief Justice Renato C. Corona. Mula sa pagiging pribadong abogado, siya ay nanungkulan sa ilalim ng dalawang Pangulo at nahirang bilang Punong Mahistrado—isang natatanging tagumpay para sa isang abogado, at ang pinakamataas na posisyon sa isa sa tatlong magkakapantay na sangay ng gobyerno.
"Ngunit napapaloob dito ay isa pang storya, ang kwento ng isang pamilya na pinagwatak watak ng mapait na away tungkol sa pagaari at pera. Tumagal ng tatlumpong taon ang away, nauwi sa demandahan—at humantong pa sa paglilitis na ito.
"Pera, kapangyarihan, away pamilya—ito ang ugat ng storya. Hindi ang lahat ng ito ay matutugunan natin sa paglilitis na ito, subalit hangad din natin na ito'y matuldukan.
"The question, quite simply, is the Chief Justice's alleged failure to disclose a true and complete statement of assets, as mandated by the Constitution, and whether this constitutes culpable violation of the Constitution and/or betrayal of public trust.
"The Constitution and our statutes[1] oblige every public official to make and submit "a complete disclosure of his assets, liabilities, and net worth in order to suppress any questionable accumulation of wealth".
"This obligatory constitutional rule seeks to eradicate corruption, promote transparency in government and maintain a standard of honesty in the public service.
"The Prosecution and the Defense were one in producing proof that the Chief Justice has bank accounts he did not declare in his SALN. Removing any iota of doubt about this vital fact was the Chief Justice himself who openly admitted before this Court that he has four (4) U.S. dollar accounts totaling U.S.$ 2.4 million, and three (3) peso accounts of P80.7 million.
"I may grant the Chief Justice's plea of honest mistake of judgment. But given his broad experience in public law and practice in investment advisory services, his willful and deliberate omission, together with the magnitude of the subject matter, amounts to a culpable violation—thus a failure meriting condemnation.
"The Chief Justice justified his willful failure to disclose his U.S. dollar accounts on the so-called absolute confidentiality provision of the Foreign Currency Deposit Act (R.A. 6426). However, it seems clear that the mantle of protection is extended to foreign depositors in the spirit of promoting foreign investment. The law was never intended to be a convenient device for Filipino public officials to conceal their assets.
"When the accounts were disclosed by no less than the Chief Justice, this left no prohibition against this Impeachment Court from admitting the evidence and weighing it on the scales of justice.
"The defense argues that the Ombudsman illegally obtained documents on Chief Justice's bank transactions because there was no pending case involving the subject bank accounts or any court order authorizing the production of such records.
"The defense, however, fails to consider that the documents produced by the Ombudsman were official records of the AMLC, which it receives from covered institutions pursuant to law. The Ombudsman has the power and authority to obtain these records from the AMLC pursuant to the Constitution and the Chief Justice's own SALN waiver.
"On the whole, the defense's main objection rings hollow since the Chief Justice himself admitted to the existence of the accounts, and the amounts they held—not to mention the fact that information on these were provided by witnesses presented by the defense panel themselves.
"The Supreme Court no less has said, "no position exacts a greater demand on moral righteousness and uprightness of an individual than a seat in the Judiciary."[3] As the head of the judiciary, a standard far higher is placed on Chief Justice Renato C. Corona.
"This impeachment trial breaks new ground. This Senate, sitting as judges, adopts its own rules and makes it own decisions. Within the bounds of the rule of law, it can initiate new doctrines and new precedents. Its pronouncement is the final word.
"It seems unnecessary for me to dwell further on the P80.7 million account the Chief Justice stated is commingled with the funds of his children and the Basa-Guidote family. But this fund could very well provide the seed of reconciliation for the two feuding branches of the family.
For these reasons, I find the Respondent GUILTY of the charge under Article II of the Articles of Impeachment."
Renato Corona Is Guilty, Court Found
By Lilybeth G. Ison
The prosecution said the removal from office of the chief magistrate "heralds a new beginning for the judiciary whose image has been tarnished in the course of the chief justice's impeachment, as well as provides a big boost to the Aquino administration's campaign to cleanse the bureaucracy of graft and corruption."
"This is the start of putting our Republic back in order for we did not convict a man but rather we saved our institutions from grievous harm of corruption and betrayal of public trust," said House Deputy Speaker and Quezon Rep. Lorenzo "Erin" Tanada III, one of the spokesmen for the prosecution.
"We showed our determination towards transparency and good governance with this verdict," he stressed.
Tanada said that in carrying out the very first verdict of conviction in an impeachment trial, the Senate has shown to "our people and the world that our country is politically mature and ready to forge ahead in our fight for transparency and accountability in our democratic processes."
For his part, Aurora Rep. Edgardo "Sonny" Angara, also spokesman for the prosecution, said much more remains to be done by the government to ensure transparency, accountability and adherence to the rule of law, which are all key to good governance.
Angara expressed hope that the chief justice's conviction would pave the way for the restoration of the people's faith in the institutions.
"We are hopeful that this historic decision of the Senate impeachment court will help restore the people's faith in the judiciary and in government," he said.
"We hope it is not just a change of personnel but a change in mindset and a change in the way things are done in government," he added.
Tanada congratulated the entire nation "not because we convicted Renato Corona, but because we were able to stop the downward spiral of our judiciary into a morass of corruption."
"Today we, as a people showed the world that our country is politically mature and ready to forge ahead in our fight for transparency and accountability and most importantly strengthen our democratic processes," said Tanada in a statement.
"It is unfortunate that we have to go through this process to achieve political maturity, but it must be done if we need to join the family of democratic, transparent states," he said.
"The conviction of the chief justice is a referendum on the political agenda of President (Benigno) 'Noynoy' Aquino (III), especially his anti-corruption drive. With the Senate convicting the chief justice, the people are behind President Aquino's administration," he noted.
The prosecution panel from the House of Representatives hailed on Tuesday as a "victory for accountability, transparency and the rule of law" the decision of the Senate, sitting as the impeachment court, to convict Supreme Court Chief Justice Renato Corona for culpable violation of the Constitution and betrayal of public trust.
The prosecution said the removal from office of the chief magistrate "heralds a new beginning for the judiciary whose image has been tarnished in the course of the chief justice's impeachment, as well as provides a big boost to the Aquino administration's campaign to cleanse the bureaucracy of graft and corruption."
"This is the start of putting our Republic back in order for we did not convict a man but rather we saved our institutions from grievous harm of corruption and betrayal of public trust," said House Deputy Speaker and Quezon Rep. Lorenzo "Erin" Tanada III, one of the spokesmen for the prosecution.
"We showed our determination towards transparency and good governance with this verdict," he stressed.
Tanada said that in carrying out the very first verdict of conviction in an impeachment trial, the Senate has shown to "our people and the world that our country is politically mature and ready to forge ahead in our fight for transparency and accountability in our democratic processes."
For his part, Aurora Rep. Edgardo "Sonny" Angara, also spokesman for the prosecution, said much more remains to be done by the government to ensure transparency, accountability and adherence to the rule of law, which are all key to good governance.
Angara expressed hope that the chief justice's conviction would pave the way for the restoration of the people's faith in the institutions.
"We are hopeful that this historic decision of the Senate impeachment court will help restore the people's faith in the judiciary and in government," he said.
"We hope it is not just a change of personnel but a change in mindset and a change in the way things are done in government," he added.
Tanada congratulated the entire nation "not because we convicted Renato Corona, but because we were able to stop the downward spiral of our judiciary into a morass of corruption."
"Today we, as a people showed the world that our country is politically mature and ready to forge ahead in our fight for transparency and accountability and most importantly strengthen our democratic processes," said Tanada in a statement.
"It is unfortunate that we have to go through this process to achieve political maturity, but it must be done if we need to join the family of democratic, transparent states," he said.
"The conviction of the chief justice is a referendum on the political agenda of President (Benigno) 'Noynoy' Aquino (III), especially his anti-corruption drive. With the Senate convicting the chief justice, the people are behind President Aquino's administration," he noted.
Saturday, May 26, 2012
Pinoy Fishermen Snatched by China Military Boat
Two fishermen from Bolinao, Pangasinan were reported missing after they failed to return home from a fishing expedition in the West Philippine Sea as of Friday.
They were identified as Rodolfo Molina, 26, and Jinggoy Paltep, 24, both of Barangay Balingasay, Bolinao.
A report said the two were with several other fishermen on board a mother boat that departed from Barangay Balingasay, Bolinao on May 21 on a fishing expedition in the West Philippine Sea.
Their companions said that while in mid-sea, some 50 to 60 nautical miles away from Bolinao and still within the territorial jurisdiction of the Philippines, they boarded a small motorboat, colored white and blue, launched from the mother boat in order to catch fish.
However, many hours had passed and the two still failed to return to the mother boat.
Merly Gabatin Molina, mother of Rodolfo, went to the Bolinao police station at 4:30 a.m. Friday to report that her son and companion were not among the fishermen from the mother boat that had come back from the fishing expedition.
The incident was reported to the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (PDRRMC) in Lingayen and to the regional office of the Office of Civil Defense (OCD) in San Fernando City, La Union.
They were identified as Rodolfo Molina, 26, and Jinggoy Paltep, 24, both of Barangay Balingasay, Bolinao.
A report said the two were with several other fishermen on board a mother boat that departed from Barangay Balingasay, Bolinao on May 21 on a fishing expedition in the West Philippine Sea.
Their companions said that while in mid-sea, some 50 to 60 nautical miles away from Bolinao and still within the territorial jurisdiction of the Philippines, they boarded a small motorboat, colored white and blue, launched from the mother boat in order to catch fish.
However, many hours had passed and the two still failed to return to the mother boat.
Merly Gabatin Molina, mother of Rodolfo, went to the Bolinao police station at 4:30 a.m. Friday to report that her son and companion were not among the fishermen from the mother boat that had come back from the fishing expedition.
The incident was reported to the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (PDRRMC) in Lingayen and to the regional office of the Office of Civil Defense (OCD) in San Fernando City, La Union.
Thursday, May 24, 2012
Business Tip for Balikbayan
A former accountant of an insurance company in the United States discovered the economic potentials of the fresh-water prawn , ulang (Macrobrachium rosenbergii), four months after he ventured into its production.
Frederick Yang, owner of the Yang Farm in Barangay Maddiangat in this municipality netted P19,000 from his 0.1 hectare ulang pond after he stocked it with 6,500 post larvae ulang.
Regional Director Urdujah Tejada of the Department of Science and Technology said Yang is one of the recipients of the Small Enterprises Technology Upgrading Program (SET UP) when the latter approached the agency and expressed his desire to further develop his 3.4 hectare farm which is planted to rice, high value crops and rubber.
In a simple harvest festival held recently in the Yang Farm, Frederick said he was convinced of the sincerity of the government to really assist fish farmers to improve their productivity.
"I don't know anything about such project on ulang. I first ventured into tilapia and red tilapia culture after I attended a seminar in Manila," he said.
As his initial ulang venture, Yang was able to net an income of P19,000 or a 58 percent return of investment. Like the rest of the other ulang growers in the region, the DOST, through World Fish Center, has introduced the use of vegetables as alternative feeds to cost-cut production and to limit the use of commercial feeds.
Hermogenes Tambalque, Aquaculture Scientist of World Fish and a former consultant of DOST said commercial feeds should only be applied to induce the growth of algae which becomes natural food for the species.
After that, commercial feeds usage should be minimized while the use of vegetables left-over as feeds is encouraged.
Meanwhile, Tejada lauded the efforts of Yang who started planting 20,000 rubber trees in his farm. The Director said he might be the first in Northern Luzon to venture into rubber plantation farming.
Frederick Yang, owner of the Yang Farm in Barangay Maddiangat in this municipality netted P19,000 from his 0.1 hectare ulang pond after he stocked it with 6,500 post larvae ulang.
Regional Director Urdujah Tejada of the Department of Science and Technology said Yang is one of the recipients of the Small Enterprises Technology Upgrading Program (SET UP) when the latter approached the agency and expressed his desire to further develop his 3.4 hectare farm which is planted to rice, high value crops and rubber.
In a simple harvest festival held recently in the Yang Farm, Frederick said he was convinced of the sincerity of the government to really assist fish farmers to improve their productivity.
"I don't know anything about such project on ulang. I first ventured into tilapia and red tilapia culture after I attended a seminar in Manila," he said.
As his initial ulang venture, Yang was able to net an income of P19,000 or a 58 percent return of investment. Like the rest of the other ulang growers in the region, the DOST, through World Fish Center, has introduced the use of vegetables as alternative feeds to cost-cut production and to limit the use of commercial feeds.
Hermogenes Tambalque, Aquaculture Scientist of World Fish and a former consultant of DOST said commercial feeds should only be applied to induce the growth of algae which becomes natural food for the species.
After that, commercial feeds usage should be minimized while the use of vegetables left-over as feeds is encouraged.
Meanwhile, Tejada lauded the efforts of Yang who started planting 20,000 rubber trees in his farm. The Director said he might be the first in Northern Luzon to venture into rubber plantation farming.
Owner of Globe Asiatique To Be Arrested
Department of Justice (DOJ) Prosecutor General Claro Arellano on Wednesday confirmed that Judge Amifaith Fider-Reyes of San Fernando City, Pampanga Regional Trial Court (RTC) Branch 42 has issued a warrant of arrest against Delfin Lee, the owner of Globe Asiatique.
Arellano said that no bail was recommended for the temporary liberty of the accused in the syndicated estafa case.
According to Arellano, the RTC did not immediately issue the warrant of arrest against the accused until such time that the prosecution team has presented enough evidence on the case.
Arellano said that the RTC judge found probable cause to proceed with the case against Lee.
Likewise, Judge Reyes also ordered his court staff to explain why the court was not informed about the six boxes of evidence presented to the court, hence, the issuance of the warrant of arrest was delayed.
Earlier, the DOJ has recommended the filing of syndicated estafa case against Lee.
The case stemmed from the alleged use of Globe Asiatique of "ghost borrowers" and fake documents in order to avail of a P6-billion housing loan from the Home Development Mutual Fund/Pag-IBIG Fund (HDMF/Pag-IBIG).
Arellano said that no bail was recommended for the temporary liberty of the accused in the syndicated estafa case.
According to Arellano, the RTC did not immediately issue the warrant of arrest against the accused until such time that the prosecution team has presented enough evidence on the case.
Arellano said that the RTC judge found probable cause to proceed with the case against Lee.
Likewise, Judge Reyes also ordered his court staff to explain why the court was not informed about the six boxes of evidence presented to the court, hence, the issuance of the warrant of arrest was delayed.
Earlier, the DOJ has recommended the filing of syndicated estafa case against Lee.
The case stemmed from the alleged use of Globe Asiatique of "ghost borrowers" and fake documents in order to avail of a P6-billion housing loan from the Home Development Mutual Fund/Pag-IBIG Fund (HDMF/Pag-IBIG).
China Illegally Grabs An Island of the Philippines
By News Agencies
China has increased its presence in the disputed Scarborough Shoal, or Bajo de Masinloc for Filipinos and Huangyan Dao for China in the South China Sea, the Philippine Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) has charged.
Using information supplied by the Philippine Coast Guard, the DFA said that May 22, Tuesday, marked the worst escalation of Chinese presence, listing 76 utility boats, 16 fishing vessels and less than five government vessels.
It compared the presence in May 21, when at around 8 p.m., there were five Government vessels (CMS-71, CMS-84, FLEC-301, FLEC-303 and FLEC-310), and 16 Chinese fishing vessels, but only 56 utility boats.
The presence of so-called fishing vessels is a mystery since China has already announced a fishing ban for its fishermen up to August this year.
At a briefing, the DFA said "there is an increasing number and pattern" of such presence in the area.
Expressing "grave concern over these continuing actions by China that escalate tension in Bajo de Masinloc, the DFA said that on Tuesday, May 21, it sent a Note Verbale to the Chinese Government through its embassy here. It is not known how the embassy reacted.
But earlier, on Tuesday, the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) warned that any escalation of the dispute in the Scarborough Shoal, particularly one that would "change the nature of the issue," would be opposed strongly.
In another press conference on Wednesday, MOFA spokesperson Hong Lei said there are about 20 such fishing boats in the area. "This number is roughly the same with that in the same period of the previous years," headed.
He defended the fishing boat presence and said it "complies with the related Chinese laws and the fishing moratorium issued by the Chinese government."
Calling the briefing a situationer report, the DFA said "it is regrettable that these actions occurred at a time when China has been articulating for a de-escalation of tensions and while the two sides have been discussing how to defuse the situation in the area."
"The Philippines demands that China's vessels immediately pull out from Bajo de Masinloc and the Philippines' EEZ and for China to refrain from taking further actions that exacerbate the situation in the West Philippine Sea," which is how Manila now calls the South China Sea.
At the Beijing press conference, Philippine media was quoted to have reported that nearly 100 Chinese boats or dinghies are in the shoal, called Huangyan Dao in China and Bajo de Masinloc in the Philippines.
Without giving particulars, Hong remarked that "the Philippine side has recently taken some provocative actions in the Huangyan Island waters, thus the Chinese side has adopted corresponding measures to strengthen management and control" by allowing more vessels in the contested territory.
"The Philippines protests these actions of China as clear violations of Philippine sovereignty and jurisdiction over the Shoal and sovereign rights over the Philippine Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) that covers the waters around Bajo de Masinloc," the DFA said.
The DFA said it is committed to efforts of defusing the tensions in Bajo de Masinloc, and volunteered that "talks are continuing between the DFA and Chinese Embassy officials." Embassy officials, however, said there are no such talks in Manila.
China's actions also violate the United Nations Charter on the use of force against territorial integrity and political independence.
DFA's invoking of the ASEAN's Declaration of Conduct of the Parties in the South China Sea and the UN reinforces its position that negotiations with China must also be rules-based and multilateral.
China has increased its presence in the disputed Scarborough Shoal, or Bajo de Masinloc for Filipinos and Huangyan Dao for China in the South China Sea, the Philippine Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) has charged.
Using information supplied by the Philippine Coast Guard, the DFA said that May 22, Tuesday, marked the worst escalation of Chinese presence, listing 76 utility boats, 16 fishing vessels and less than five government vessels.
It compared the presence in May 21, when at around 8 p.m., there were five Government vessels (CMS-71, CMS-84, FLEC-301, FLEC-303 and FLEC-310), and 16 Chinese fishing vessels, but only 56 utility boats.
The presence of so-called fishing vessels is a mystery since China has already announced a fishing ban for its fishermen up to August this year.
At a briefing, the DFA said "there is an increasing number and pattern" of such presence in the area.
Expressing "grave concern over these continuing actions by China that escalate tension in Bajo de Masinloc, the DFA said that on Tuesday, May 21, it sent a Note Verbale to the Chinese Government through its embassy here. It is not known how the embassy reacted.
But earlier, on Tuesday, the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) warned that any escalation of the dispute in the Scarborough Shoal, particularly one that would "change the nature of the issue," would be opposed strongly.
In another press conference on Wednesday, MOFA spokesperson Hong Lei said there are about 20 such fishing boats in the area. "This number is roughly the same with that in the same period of the previous years," headed.
He defended the fishing boat presence and said it "complies with the related Chinese laws and the fishing moratorium issued by the Chinese government."
Calling the briefing a situationer report, the DFA said "it is regrettable that these actions occurred at a time when China has been articulating for a de-escalation of tensions and while the two sides have been discussing how to defuse the situation in the area."
"The Philippines demands that China's vessels immediately pull out from Bajo de Masinloc and the Philippines' EEZ and for China to refrain from taking further actions that exacerbate the situation in the West Philippine Sea," which is how Manila now calls the South China Sea.
At the Beijing press conference, Philippine media was quoted to have reported that nearly 100 Chinese boats or dinghies are in the shoal, called Huangyan Dao in China and Bajo de Masinloc in the Philippines.
Without giving particulars, Hong remarked that "the Philippine side has recently taken some provocative actions in the Huangyan Island waters, thus the Chinese side has adopted corresponding measures to strengthen management and control" by allowing more vessels in the contested territory.
"The Philippines protests these actions of China as clear violations of Philippine sovereignty and jurisdiction over the Shoal and sovereign rights over the Philippine Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) that covers the waters around Bajo de Masinloc," the DFA said.
The DFA said it is committed to efforts of defusing the tensions in Bajo de Masinloc, and volunteered that "talks are continuing between the DFA and Chinese Embassy officials." Embassy officials, however, said there are no such talks in Manila.
China's actions also violate the United Nations Charter on the use of force against territorial integrity and political independence.
DFA's invoking of the ASEAN's Declaration of Conduct of the Parties in the South China Sea and the UN reinforces its position that negotiations with China must also be rules-based and multilateral.
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