Case Digest (A.M. No. 20-07-10-SC)
Facts:
Re: Letter of Ma. Cristina Roco Corona Requesting the Grant of Retirement and Other Benefits to the Late Former Chief Justice Renato C. Corona and Her Claim for Survivorship Pension as His Wife Under Republic Act No. 9946, A.M. No. 20-07-10-SC, 893 Phil. 231; 119 O.G. No. 20, 3388 (May 15, 2023), the Supreme Court En Banc, Hernando, J., writing for the Court.Petitioner is Ma. Cristina Roco Corona (Mrs. Corona), widow of former Chief Justice Renato C. Corona, who addressed a letter (docketed as A.M. No. 20-07-10‑SC) asking the Court to grant post‑employment retirement benefits, other gratuities, and survivorship pension under Republic Act No. 9946 and Administrative Circular No. 81‑2010, despite her husband’s prior ouster by impeachment.
In 2010 Renato C. Corona became Chief Justice. On December 12, 2011 the House of Representatives filed Articles of Impeachment alleging betrayal of public trust, culpable violation of the Constitution, and graft and corruption. After a public trial the Senate, sitting as an Impeachment Court, found Corona guilty on Article II concerning non‑declaration of his SALN and, by judgment dated May 29, 2012, imposed removal from office and disqualification from holding any office. No motion for reconsideration was filed. Chief Justice Corona’s health deteriorated after the trial and he died on April 29, 2016; several criminal and civil cases then pending were dismissed due to his death.
By letter dated July 13, 2020 Mrs. Corona asked the Court to void the Senate judgment (she did not seek reversal) or, alternatively, to allow release of retirement and survivorship benefits under RA 9946 and AC 81‑2010, arguing that impeachment only divested political capacity and that her husband otherwise met the qualifications for optional retirement. The matter was referred to the Office of the Chief Attorney (OCAt), which, in a September 28, 2020 Report, agreed that impeachment effects are limited to removal and disqualification...(Pro-only)
Issues:
- Whether Mrs. Corona is entitled to her late husband Chief Justice Renato C. Corona’s retirement benefits, other gratuities, and survivorship pension under RA 9946 and AC 81‑2010 despite his ouster by i...(Pro-only)
Ruling:
- (Pro-only)
Ratio:
- (Pro-only)
Doctrine:
- (Pro-only)