Corona declares war ‘on...all who dare to destroy’ the Supreme Court

AMID threats of impeachment, embattled Chief Justice Renato Corona yesterday declared war on his detractors and vowed to lead the fight against anyone who would undermine the independence of the judiciary.

This was the first time Corona went on the offensive. He said his silence before should not be construed as weakness.

“I have been quietly preparing and will be ready to take more determined steps in the coming days. I want all of you to know that your chief justice continues to be in command and will lead the fight against any and all who dare to destroy the court and the independence of the judiciary,” he said in a speech during the flag ceremony at the high court.

“My silence does not mean anything more than caution and patience. Let no one mistake my silence as a sign of weakness,” Corona said. “I assure you I do not intend to leave them to do as they please. I do not intend to leave you to fight this battle alone.”

Corona made the speech after reports said allies of President Benigno Aquino III in Congress are now massing up to push his impeachment.

He admitted that in the past few days he opted not to dignify the attacks against him, but renewed and unrelenting hostilities recently forced him out of his shell.

“I want to take this opportunity to address some matters of great concern to the court and to the office of the chief justice. A few days ago as you all know I was content to let things pass in the spirit of peace and in the spirit of Christmas....Today however with the discovery of this scheme that will destroy our democracy, I am forced to call upon you to remain ready and vigilant,” Corona said.

He said in the coming days, he will be taking “determined” steps to counter these attacks from Malacañang.

“I have been quietly preparing and will be ready to take more determined steps in the coming days. I want all of you to know that your chief justice continues to be in command and will lead the fight against any and all who dare to destroy the court and the independence of the judiciary.”

“We do not want to see a constitutional crisis befall our democracy but if we are challenged to defend our independence, we shall not meekly walk away,” he said.

Corona called on court officials and employees to keep their guard up in defending the judiciary as well as the country’s democracy.

“This is our path, the only path to a principled life. We must keep our guard, otherwise the enemies of the court will surely take advantage of our good faith. By continuing with uninterrupted dedication to our work we will prove all our critics and detractors wrong,” Corona said.

“Do not forget, I am here, I am not going anywhere. I am your defender and most of all I am your chief justice. Together we will face these challenges and fight all who dare to destroy the court and our system of justice under the Constitution.”

“My fellow court workers, we stand together,” Corona said.