MikeLigalig.com

By Cynthia D. Balana
Philippine Daily Inquirer

Documents concerning a 303.5-square meter unit at the plush The Bellagio in The Fort, Taguig City, may be used as evidence of graft and corruption in Chief Justice Renato Corona’s impeachment trial at the Senate.

The unitâ€"classified as a penthouse in The Bellagio websiteâ€"is one of four high-end properties purportedly owned by the Chief Justice and his wife, according to the panel of lawmakers from the House of Representatives who will serve as prosecutors at the impeachment trial scheduled to start on January 16.

At the panel’s news conference Tuesday, Iloilo Representative Niel Tupas Jr., the chief prosecutor, said spouses Renato and Cristina Corona purchased Unit 38B at Tower I of The Bellagio from Megaworld on Dec. 16, 2009, at the  price of P14.51 million. The unit has three parking slots, each measuring 12.5 sq m.

A real estate expert whom the Philippine Daily Inquirer consulted estimated the property’s market value today at P30 million to P40 million.

The deed of absolute sale was signed by Megaworld finance director Giovanni Ng and the couple.

The unit was transferred to the name of the Coronas on Jan. 25, 2010, under Condominium Certificate of Title No. 164-2010000062 and the parking slots were covered by CCT Nos. 164-2010000063 to 65, according to a system-generated certified true copy of the deed of sale issued by the Registry of Deeds-Taguig City.