Former chief justice Renato Corona succumbs to cardiac arrest

MANILA, Philippines. Former chief justice Renato Corona passed away on Friday morning, April 29, due to cardiac arrest. He was 67.

The National Transformation Council (NTC), a group which recently called for the resignation of President Benigno Aquino III after the tragic Mamasapano incident, announced the passing of Corona in a Facebook post. Corona was a council member at NTC.

“It is with deep sorrow that the National Transformation Council announce the demise of Council member Chief Justice Renato C. Corona. At 1:48 am today, April 29, 2016, Chief Justice Corona succumbed to cardiac arrest. Please pray for the eternal repose of his soul as he joins his Creator,” NTC wrote on Facebook.

[facebook https://www.facebook.com/National.Transformation.Council/posts/1089200784480875:0]

To mourn the former chief justice’s passing, Chief Justice Maria Lourdes Sereno has ordered that the Supreme Court’s and all courts’ flags in the country be flown at a half-staff.

Meanwhile, the Office of the President has released a statement regarding Corona’s death.

Presidential Communications Secretary Herminio Coloma Jr. said: “We extend our condolences to the bereaved family of the late CJ Renato Corona and join them in fervent prayers for his eternal repose.”

The 23rd chief justice of the Supreme Court, Corona was appointed by then President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo on April 9, 2002 as justice of the Supreme Court. Before Arroyo stepped down from the presidency in 2010, she appointed Corona as chief justice on May 12, 2010 in what was dubbed as a midnight appointment.

In May 2012, Corona became the first chief justice to be impeached after being found guilty of betraying the public trust and violating the Constitution for misdeclarations in his statement of assets, liabilities and net worth (SALN).

Corona’s remains will be ready for viewing on Saturday, April 30 at the Heritage Park in Bonifacio Global City, Taguig City.