Corona says sorry to media, jokes about his paintings

Ousted Chief Justice Renato Corona on Wednesday briefly took a break from packing his things at the Supreme Court to share a light moment with members of the media, even cracking a joke about the paintings displayed in his office.

In between poses for the camera with reporters, Corona apologized to the media if he oftentimes would be elusive in granting interviews, especially during the five-month impeachment trial.

"I'm very, very sorry kung minsan ay hindi ako makapag-paunlak ng panayam sa mga panahong kailangan niyo ako makunan ng pahayag," Corona told reporters. Corona took time to shake hands with every member of the media inside the room.

"May times na mukha akong 'di cooperative... Pero rest assured na nandoon naman iyong urge na mapagbigyan ko kayo," Corona said. "I tried my best to be accommodating."

Now on his third day of clearing his table, the former chief magistrate admitted having a hard time, especially since he had to pack things that had piled up in his office for the last 10 years that he had been with the Supreme Court.

Corona said he and his staff had to place voluminous documents in boxes that had to be brought to a truck outside.

He said he has been feeling better since being discharged from The Medical City in Pasig City over the weekend. Corona said he has only been taking maintenance drugs.

"Alam niyo na, I am 63 and we are not getting any younger," said a smiling Corona.

Paintings

At one point of the light talk, a member of the media joked if Corona could just "raffle off" the numerous large paintings hanging on the walls of his office. To which Corona replied with a chuckle: "Wala na nga akong trabaho eh."

"Ibebenta ko na nga lang sana sa inyo... four-gives," Corona added as reporters broke into laughter.

The entire time, Corona's wife Cristina — clad in a black shirt bearing the words "Not Guilty" — and daughter Carla observed from a distance as the former chief magistrate mingled with reporters. The two women also granted requests to have their photos taken with the media.

Just outside Corona's room, his son Francis, meanwhile, talked with court employees who were waiting for their turn to give their farewells to the ousted chief magistrate.

Placed outside the door of Corona's office at the second floor of the SC building was a huge message board where supporters can write their messages of encouragement and support for him. — RSJ, GMA News

Posted in: Local News