'Morales used by Palace to oust me' - Corona

source: philstar.com

MANILA, Philippines - Chief Justice Renato Corona on Friday accused Ombudsman Conchita Carpio- Morales of allowing herself to be used by the Aquino administration to oust Corona.

Morales, in a briefing, denied Corona’s allegations.

"Palagay ko nagpagamit si Ombudsman sa Malacañang. Eh kasi naman po winagayway niya dito ang isang document na alleged coming from the AMLC (Anti-Money Laundering Council). Parang hindi tama iyon, hindi authenticated iyong dokumento, walang court order, hindi naman ako iniimbestigahan...pinawerpoint presentation pa dito," the Chief Justice said in his continuation of his testimony before the Senate impeachment court on Friday

He also admitted that there was already "distrust" between him and Morales when she was still an Associate Justice of the High Court.

"I would like to be honest. Though [we were] civil to each other, alam naman po ninyo may undercurrent na distrust , for the lack of a better word. May element na hindi kami magkaalyado," the Chief Justice said.

He said the distrust between him and the Ombudsman began when he and a cousin of Morales, Antonio Carpio – SC Associate Justice, were competing for the post of the Chief Justice in 2010.

"Doon siguro nagsimula iyan. Hindi siya (Ombudsman) kakampi sa akin," Corona said.

He added that there were friction and clashes of opinions between him and then Associate Justice Morales.

"Noong ako na nahirang na Chief Justice, I felt many times medyo nagkakagirian kami in a subtle way ni Justice Carpio at sa tingin ko natural sa collegial body na ganoon... pero feeling ko na kahit na tama ako, kakampi siya sa pinsan nya," the magistrate said.

He said he earned Morales’ ire when he refused to approve the release of her retirement budget which was higher than usual.

"Sabi ko hindi puwede pero in fairness hindi si Ombudsman Morales na pumunta sa opisina ko. Ang nagsabi sa akin ay iyong clerk of court, dinadaan sa clerk of court iyong request niya," the Chief Justice said.

Meanwhile, Morales said she believes that Corona is “lying” , adding that she would “never, ever, ever” allow herself to be used by the Palace as a means to get back at Corona.

Instead of having Corona to administer his oath of office, Aquino chose Morales to administer his oath of office when he became President in 2010.

source: philstar.com