MANILA, Philippines - Presidential Spokesman Edwin Lacierda on Monday denied claims that the impeachment trial of Chief Justice Renato Corona is connected to Transportation Secretary Mar Roxas' vice-presidential electoral protest.

Lacierda said “there is no hidden agenda” other than the President’s desire to reform the judiciary.

He said Inquirer columnist Rigoberto Tigalo “should not dignify” such claims.

Tiglao earlier cited a source who claimed Corona's removal will benefit Roxas since President Aquino would likely appoint Supreme Court Associate Justice Antonio Carpio. He said Carpio's former law firm, Villaraza Cruz Marcelo & Angangco, is handling Roxas’ electoral protest.

Roxas was Aquino's running mate in the 2010 elections.