Former Manila Mayor Lito Atienza to testify in Corona trial

 

In an ambush interview with reporters, Atienza confirmed that he will be appearing before the impeachment court as a witness of the defense panel when trial resumes in the afternoon.

 

The former Manila mayor said he will testify on the Manila government's purchase of a P34-million property from Mrs. Cristina Corona's Basa-Guidote Enterprises Inc. Atienza served as Manila mayor from 1998 to 2007 and was DENR chief during the Arroyo administration from July 2007 until December 2009.

 

He said the 1,020-square meter property was converted into the new Sampaloc Market.

 

"[Yung transaction] 1999 nag-umpisa yan...naculminate yan 2001," he said.

 

Atienza explained that he dealt with Mrs. Corona throughout the contract, with the payment check addressed to her "in trust for Basa-Guidote." He said the final deed of sale was executed in 2001.

 

Atienza said he was not subpoenad by the Senate and was only invited by the defense team last week. He stressed, however, that his appearance does not mean he was siding with the chief justice.

 

"I'm going to tell the truth...exactly what happened and [sa] participation ng city ng tanggapan ko and [to] authenticate whatever evidence [will] be presented with regards to our participation," he said.

 

In his 2004 Statement of Assets, Liabilities and Net Worth (SALN), Corona declared an P11-million loan from Basa Guidote. The chief justice continued to declare the loan as his liability until 2009.  

 

The prosecution, however, questioned where the firm would be able to get its funds when its license was allegedly revoked in 2003. The defense team said it had funds from the sale of its properties. — Kimberly Jane Tan/RSJ, GMA News