A Negros solon yesterday said he believes Chief Justice Renato Corona should resign, because the loss of confidence in him by Congress is enough ground for him to do so.

Rep. Alfredo Abelardo Benitez (Neg. Occ., 3rd District) issued his stand as 70 Negrenses, many of whom are members of the Negrenses for Corona’s Resignation (N4CR), joined a mass for “truth and justice” at the Montelibano Chapel at the University of St. La Salle in Bacolod City at 11:30 a.m. yesterday.

The appointment of the chief justice is ratified by the Commission of Appointments of Congress, so technically it is Congress that really appoints him, Benitez said at a press conference in Talisay City.

The three grounds for impeachment are culpable violation of the Constitution, graft and corruption and betrayal of public trust, he added.

And betrayal of public trust means loss of confidence, Benitez said.

The simple loss of confidence by Congress in Corona is sufficient under the Constitution for Corona to be convicted, Benitez said.

He also said Corona’s omissions in his Statement of Assets, Liabilities and Net Worth does not speak well of him as the chief justice.

“It is about time we elevate the standards of public officials, it is not okay for them to get away even with just a small crime,” he said.

Meanwhile, at the mass for “Truth and Justice,” Edwin Balajadia said the congressmen have a big role in educating the public on the impeachment, and the need for justice and truth.

They should link up with the people in providing mass education of the masses on the impeachment issues, Balajadia added.

“We can only have good government, if our officials who have done wrong are penalized,” he said.

Kid Bañas, said they are praying truth will really come out “so we can cleanse government and achieve our desire for good governance.”

Lawyer Andrea Si said they were joining the mass because they want truth and justice to be the end result of the impeachment trial of Corona. “We are putting this before God because we believe that God will have the real version of what truth and justice is,” Si said.

Delia Locsin said if the truth prevails in the Corona hearing, there will be justice.

The truth will be enough to have Corona removed from office, the chief justice must be above reproach, she said.

Meanwhile, a USLS statement yesterday said the university was not responsible and had no part in the N4CR mass.*CPG

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