A.M. No. 20-07-10-SC - Re: Ma. Cristina Roco Corona

Renato C. Corona was appointed Chief Justice of the Supreme Court on May 12, 2010, after eight years as Associate Justice.
On December 12, 2011, the House of Representatives filed eight Articles of Impeachment against him for betrayal of public trust, culpable violation of the Constitution, and graft and corruption, notably his failure to disclose his Statement of Assets, Liabilities, and Net Worth (SALN).

On May 29, 2012, the Senate, sitting as an Impeachment Court, convicted Chief Justice Corona on Article II (non-declaration of SALN), resulting in his removal from office and disqualification to hold any public office. No motion for reconsideration was filed.
Corona’s health deteriorated, and he died on April 29, 2016. Pending criminal charges before the Sandiganbayan (graft, corruption, tax evasion) were dismissed due to his death.

On July 13, 2020, Ma. Cristina Roco Corona, the widow, filed A.M. No. 20-07-10-SC requesting her late husband’s retirement benefits and her survivorship pension under Republic Act No. 9946 (RA 9946) and Administrative Circular No. 81-2010 (AC 81-2010).
She alleged that removal by impeachment merely divested Corona of his political capacity and did not forfeit his post-employment benefits.
The Office of the Chief Attorney (OCAt) reported on September 28, 2020, advising denial, reasoning that impeachment is not equivalent to voluntary retirement or resignation due to incapacity under RA 9946.

Whether Chief Justice Renato C. Corona, upon removal by impeachment and disqualification, may be considered involuntarily retired and thereby entitled to retirement benefits and other allowances under RA 9946.
Whether Ma. Cristina Roco Corona, as the surviving legitimate spouse of the late Chief Justice, is entitled to survivorship pension and related benefits under RA 9946 and AC 81-2010.