Former Chief Justice Renato Tirso Antonio C. Corona died of cardiac arrest Friday morning (April 29). He was 67.
The Supreme Court Public Information Office (SC-PIO) announced on Twitter that Corona’s family informed them of of the demise.
Chief Justice Maria Lourdes Sereno directed that the flags at the SC and all courts nationwide be flown at half-staff to mourn Corona’s passing.
SC- PIO said that the viewing of Corona’s remains will start on Saturday (April 30) at the Heritage Park in Bonifacio Global City, Taguig City.
Corona was the 23rd Chief Justice of the Supreme Court. He served as an Associate Justice after being appointed by President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo on April 9, 2002 and then as Chief Justice on May 12, 2010 upon the retirement of Chief Justice Reynato Puno.
Corona used to be a law professor, private law practitioner and Cabinet member under two Presidents, Fidel V. Ramos and Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo before being appointed to the Supreme Court.
He was assistant secretary for legal affairs then later presidential counsel of President Ramos, while serving as Chief of Staff and Executive Secretary of President Macapagal-Arroyo.
Condolences
The Office of the President expressed its condolences to the bereaved family.
“We extend our condolences to the bereaved family of the late CJ Renato Corona” Presidential Communications Secretary Herminio Coloma Jr. said in a statement.
Atty. Tranquil Salvador III, one of Corona’s lawyers and spokespersons during his Impeachment trial, is saddened by the death of his friend.
He said that Corona is “a good and very kind man, a gentle person and a man of strong character.”
Salvador also expressed his condolences to Corona’s family.
Corona leaves behind his wife Cristina Basa Roco and their three children.