When the Basas and relatives filed an estafa case against the Coronas concerning the family corporation, Basa-Guidote Enterprises Inc. (BGEI), the latter countered with a libel case. Were these cases with the Supreme Court now, there’d be no doubt that Chief Justice Renato Corona would force his fellow justices to vote in his favor.
This conclusion is suggested by an affidavit alleging that Corona pulled a gun on a hapless BGEI employee to show off his power. Considering how Corona willfully set the Supreme Court on a collision course with the Senate to bury evidence and testimony about his finances and properties, it seems he will do anything and everything to ensure a decision of acquittal in the impeachment case against him and victory in the libel and estafa cases.
For Corona, the stakes are high. They are really higher because of Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, who deployed a “midnight” chief justice and other “rear guards” to protect her from charges of plunder. And as the Filipino people seek justice for victims of heinous crimes like the Maguindanao massacre and electoral sabotage, the wheels of justice have made a karmic turn into the inevitable.
It is very interesting to note that BGEI is suddenly thrust into the spotlight and a 90-year-old Franciscan nun is emerging as a big game-changer. Sister Flory, an aunt of the Chief Justice’s wife and a BGEI stockholder, has indicated her willingness to testify against Corona in the impeachment trial. As her testimony will help to convict Corona, expect Corona’s defense lawyers to cite all kinds of legal technicalities to prevent the nun from becoming a witness.
The BGEI drama lays more proof that Corona deserves to be convicted. His credibility has been shattered. He no longer has the integrity to sit as chief justice.
It is hoped that a guilty verdict will enable Corona to get back his lost ideals and moral bearings.
—JOSE OSIAS,
jzosias@gmail.com