Twenty senators, including Senate President Juan Ponce-Enrile, found Corona guilty of violating the Constitution and betraying public trust by failing to disclose his wealth.

Only three - Senators Joker Arroyo, Miriam Defensor-Santiago and Ferdinand “Bong-Bong” Marcos Jr. - voted to acquit the chief justice.

Corona’s conviction paved the way for him to become the first chief justice in the nation’s history to be removed from office.

Bacolod Regional Trial Court Judge Franklin Demonteverde, national president of the Philippine Judges Association, said "Today is a sad day for the judiciary. Judicial independence has passed away."

"But we will abide by the decision of the impeachment court", he said.

Demonteverde said with Corona no longer at the Supreme Court, the budget of the judiciary might be further reduced.

Bacolod Regional Trial Court Judge Ray Allan Drilon said “The impeachment court has decided, we have to respect its decision.”

Many of the court employees at the Bacolod Hall of Justice were saddened by the decision, which is natural, as Corona is the chief magistrate of the land, Drilon said.

“Acquit Corona” stickers and posters abounded at the Bacolod Hall of Justice yesterday.

Corona, in a statement, said he was accepting the guilty verdict of the impeachment court but maintained that he is innocent.

“Bad politics prevailed. I am not guilty. There is no truth to the Articles of Impeachment which I have been charged with. My conscience is clear. But the sad reality about politics is that sometimes the view of the majority isn’t actually the truth, especially if one person controls the government,” Corona said.

‘A VICTORY’

But for the Negros Occidental solons who signed the House impeachment complaint, the conviction was a victory.

Rep. Alfredo Abelaro Benitez (Neg. Occ., 3rd District) said “standards for public officials have just gone up.” Benitez who is the fourth richest man in the House of Representative based on his Statement of Assets, Liabilities and Net Worth said he found it strange that the chief justice challenged the House prosecutors to disclose their dollar accounts, he was not even aware that there was a law that allowed one not to declare such.

When he filed his SALN he declared his dollar and euro accounts, Benitez said.

Rep. Jeffrey Ferrer (Neg. Occ., 4thDistrict) said the senator judges made the right decision, based on the testimony and evidence presented.

Rep. Mercedes Alvarez (Neg. Occ., 6th District) “No one is above the law. Even the highest officials of the land should comply with our constitutional duties as public officers. After today, I hope we can all move on now. We have a lot of work to be done and a lot of bills to be passed in Congress.”

Rep. Alfredo Marañon III (Neg. Occ., 3rd District) said “The just concluded impeachment of CJ Corona is an indication that our democracy is working. It serves notice to all government officials and employees not to undermine their duties and responsibilities required by law for there is a corresponding penalty for its violation.”

GOOD FOR DEMOCRACY

His father, Negros Occidental Gov. Alfredo Marañon Jr., said the conviction of Corona is good for democracy. It is a signal that the law will catch up with you, even if you are the chief magistrate of the land, he said.

Fr. Aniceto Buenafe said “I hope the conviction of CJ Corona will leave a lesson for our public officials that a public trust is gained by accountability and integrity….(through) full and honest disclosure and declaration of their SALNs.”

Lawyer Andres Hagad said “The conviction of CJ Corona has given teeth to the SALN as a means to check the corrupt in government. It is no longer just a piece of paper that they play around with and pay little attention to. The SALN has become our sword against the corrupt. Mabuhay ang Pilipino!”

“Corona's conviction by the Senate is a historic victory for the Filipino people. It’s a triumph for justice, public accountability and good governance. We extol the senate for doing the right thing towards making public officers truly accountable, and paving the way for judicial reforms. It’s a big step towards fostering the people's trust for our democratic institutions,” said Edwin Balajadia, Negrenses 4 Corona Resignation co-convenor and Negros Coalition for Social Change secretary general, said.

MOMENT OF AWAKENING

Lawyer Guillermo Tejida III said “The entire impeachment is a moment of awakening in the fight against graft and corruption. With this, may all government employees from the lowly clerk to the top officials truthfully declare their assets, liabilities and net worth.”

Former Negros Occidental Board Member Francis Tuvilla said “Indeed, there is still hope for this country and our leaders. Our prayers have been answered. But let us continue our vigilance for good and honest governance.”

Bayan Negros officials, in a press statement, said that while they welcome the conviction of Corona, they believe that the fight for true accountability i