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    Prosecution wins Day 1 of impeach trial

    Corona motion junked

    (UPDATE) The impeachment court refused to go through a preliminary hearing earlier requested by Chief Justice Renato Corona Jr.'s camp.

    "There's no more need for a preliminary hearing to receive evidence for this matter," Senate President, also sitting as impeachment presiding officer Juan Ponce Enrile said Monday.

    Earlier, retired Justice Serafin Cuevas, Corona's chief counsel, questioned the impeachment filed against Corona due to the hasty approval from the House of Representatives.

    "Is the impeachment complaint valid? No. Procedures laid down? No. Rules followed? No," argued Cuevas, who noted they were not delaying the proceedings of the trial but were rather following a process.

    But Iloilo Representative and chief public prosecutor, Niel Tupas Jr. said there was a determination of probable cause before House members moved to impeach the Chief Justice.

    Senate President Enrile bangs a gavel during the start of the impeachment trial. REUTERS/Erik De Castro Enrile ruled that the House completed the due process required by the Constitution in filing an impeachment case.
     
    “The Senate shall forthwith proceed with the trial on the articles of impeachment against Corona,” the presiding officer said.
     
    Moreover, Enrile denied the motion of Atty. Fernando Perito to cite House members in contempt since Perito is neither part of the prosecution nor the defense panels.
     
    Enrile also merely reminded both parties to refrain from discussing the merits of the case in public through the media in accordance with the Senate rules of impeachment.
     
    Tupas said they will obey Enrile’s order. “We will comply with the directive not to release more evidences.”

    Despite the denial of their motions, the defense team said they have anticipated the decisions and is ready to proceed.
     
    “Every lawyer prepares for a possibility of denial. I’m unhappy with the decision but we are ready to proceed,” said Atty. Jose Roy III, part of the defense team.Roy also revealed that Corona is still in “high spirits” despite today’s turnout.

    A poker-faced but sometimes yawning Corona was at the Senate plenary which serves as the impeachment court.

    'Not guilty'


    Supreme Court Chief Justice Renato Corona and his wife Cristina. REUTERS/Erik De Castro At the start of the hearing, Corona's camp entered a not guilty plea for the impeachment complaint filed against him.

    “May we put on record that he is entering a plea of not guilty for all the charges,” said Cuevas.

    Corona was charged with eight articles of impeachment on the grounds of betrayal of public trust and culpable violation of the Constitution.

    Cuevas added that the defense team made him attend the trial to show the chief justice’s respect to the institution.

    However, Senator Franklin Drilon, who sits as a judge of the impeachment court said Corona's manifestation of not guilty plea was premature because the defense panel was only supposed to enter their appearance.

    Corona arrived at the Senate with his wife, Cristina, and SC spokesperson Midas Marquez at 1:20 p.m.

    “We are delighted by his change of heart by showing up. We only hope that he would heed subpoena,” said Rep. Miro Quimbo, spokesperson of the prosecution panel of the House of the Representatives.


     

    What to expect on the second day

    The prosecution panel is happy with the turnout of the first day of the impeachment trial as decisions rendered by the Senate were in favor of the House.

    “Nagpapasalamat kami sa impeachment tribunal sa dalawang motions na dineny. Nangyari lahat ng inanticipate namin ngayon,” said Tupas.

    Quimbo said they will present documentary and testimonial evidences on Tuesday, adding that they are looking forward to Corona’s testimony.
     
    “We are happy that he attended but we are hoping that he will testify. It is the easiest way to clear his name,” he added.
     

    Meanwhile, Tupas concluded, “Malayo pa ito. Unang araw pa lang. Mahabang usapan pa ito. Hindi kami magiging kumpyansa.”

    People weigh in on Renato Corona's impeachment trialFilipinos speak up about the impeachment trial of Renato Corona. Video produced by Jason Domantay of Yahoo! Southeast Asia and loQal. Editor's note: The views and opinions expressed by the interviewees do not represent the position of Yahoo! Southeast Asia.

    More about the impeachment:

    Impeachment 101: Facts and Figures

    Renato Corona Impeachment Trial FAQs compiled by VERA Files

     

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    How do you feel about this article?

     
    • cabesa de piedra  •  Manila, National Capital Region  •  4 months ago
      wag na tayong mauna pa sa mga judges..inatay natin ang sasabihin ng bawat panig..
      • NelsonG 4 months ago
        Hindi lahat ng naaayon sa batas ay nangangahulugang tama. Kaya pag napawalang sala si Corona, alam nating wala na tayong magagawa liban na lang na ipaalam sa mga susunod na henerasyon ang kawalang hiyaan niya. Para lang yang si Marcos.
      • Bob Dylan 4 months ago
        yan nga din sinasabi ko wala naman nakikinig
      • Jay Jay Q. 4 months ago
        Let the law prevail. again ginagamit tayo ng "government" para iayon sa gusto nila ang sagot natin...

        let the hammer fall where they may, wag natin pangunahan ang batas, andyan nga yan kasi iminungkahi natin, kung may sabit ang batas, e di kasalanan na natin yun dahil bobo ang law maker na inelect mo. (TAMAAN SANA ANG MGA BOMOTO SA MGA BOBONG SENADOR/REP AT KUNG ANO PANG UNANO AT KALBONG GUMAGAWA NG BATAS..)
    • mass  •  Kansas, United States  •  4 months ago
      theres a lot of black ghost employees of judiciary here. using government funds of their black shirt propaganda.
      • Jack 4 months ago
        indeed, being seen lately... hopefully after the CJ, they'll be the next. (greetings to my friend Midas... hello ! test mic, 1-2-3)
      • joe 4 months ago
        Dapat matangal na rin ang pinaka beauty sa Supreme Court si lady justice midas... go with piolo... diba KC
      • Pento 4 months ago
        hey somebody from Kansa, do not say 'using government funds' dahil hindi ka naman nagbabayad ng tax...coz you live in the US shame on you!!!pwe hypo!
    • The Crusader  •  Windhoek East, Namibia  •  4 months ago
      Ang mga nagco-comment dito akala mo kung sinong may alam sa pamamalakad ng goberno. Lahat ng dumaan na mga administration ay sinubukan i-angat ang buhay ng mga mahihirap magkaroon ng trabaho sa pamamagitan ng mga project ng goberno pero sa nakikita natin, walang umasenso sa mga kapatid natin mga maralita, WALA!!! Bakit? dahil nanjan ang mga Corrupt na official na nagsasamantala sa kahinaan ng mga mahihirap. Kaya dapat lang unahin muna ni Pinoy ang pagtanggal sa mga corrupt na officials para makita natin lahat ang mga nangyayari. At least kung may transparency at accountability ang mga officials ng goberno malalaman natin saan napunta ang pera ng mga tax payers. Tanungin natin sarili natin, sino sa atin nakakaalam kung saan ginastos ang IRA ng ating mga City, Municipyo, Probinsiya o kaya doon lang mismo sa Barangay natin, palagay ko walang nakakaalam sa atin dito. Kaya maganda itong palakad ng Administration na alisin din sa pwesto ang mga mayor, gobernador at mga barangay captain na hindi nagpublished ng whereabouts ng kanilang IRA.
      • yancy 4 months ago
        walang matitira ni isa.
      • Pinoy_Ako 4 months ago
        Kuya, may ipapalit tayo jan, isa na si The Crusader.
      • Bloodstorm 4 months ago
        Rebolusyon at ethnic cleansing dapat ang mangyari. kuhanin lahat ang pamilya ng mga magnanakaw na opisyal, tapos lahat cla patayin dapat. nung namatay si ninoy, nagkaisa ang pilipinas. bakit ngayon, hindi magkaisa ang pilipinas para sunugin ang congress tsaka PNP sa crame? panahon na para dumanak ang dugo ng mga magnanakaw sa pilipinas.
    • leo xl  •  Manila, National Capital Region  •  4 months ago
      We never wanted an Arroyo Supreme Court, so as we do not wish for an Aquino Supreme court. It must be clear to all of us that all our best effort shall be made in order to trample this corrupt Corona-Arroyo Supreme Court, and we must ensure by all possible means not to have an Aquino Court. Whatever it takes, we must advance our struggle for a Supreme Court that ensures the interests and aspirations of our people, and it should be the People's Supreme Court. :)
      • weedlebeedle 4 months ago
        it would never be the People's Supreme Court... it should be a court of law and not of men...
      • Jesus Frederick 4 months ago
        Not Supreme Court of the people, but Supreme Court of the Constitution. Get it straight.
      • Iloveyoumanoyjess 4 months ago
        indirectly, it could be a people's supreme court. the SC should always uphold the constitution, and the latter is the express will of the people.
    • GwapoDude  •  4 months ago
      Steeeeeerike 1 to Corona! When this is all finished, Aquino, the Senate, and House law makers should pass a law that no one president, person, or ruling body shall have ultimate authority in selecting Judges such as Arroyo had.
      In the U.S. the President selects from a pool of "qualified" judges, then the Senate and Congress equally vote on whether to accept the Presidents selection. Many times throughout U.S. history the president's selection has been over-ridden.
      I dont think there will be an Aquino court, and if he is smart he will make sure that there isnt! But first eliminate the Dwarf Queen's court! One thing is for sure, "the people" will be watching!
      End of Story!
      • Juan Tamad 4 months ago
        Section 9, Article VIII of the Philippine constitution provides that the "members of the Supreme Court and judges of the lower courts shall be appointed y the President from a list of at least three nominees prepared by the Judicial and Bar Council for every vacancy. Such appointments need no confirmation."
        It is obvious that the power of the Philippine President is unquestionable dahil hindi kailangang ma-confirm ng Senate and Congress.
      • Tokwa 4 months ago
        @Juan Tamad, if you were appointed by the president as a midnight appointee, tatanggapin mo ba, inspite of the fact that you know it is wrong?
      • Jesus Frederick 4 months ago
        Corona is not a midnight appointee, the SC headed by then CJ Puno already said so. So yes, it is not wrong for CJ Corona to accept the position.
    • Warden  •  4 months ago
      Impeachment is a political exercise which is good. Unfortunately Philippine politics and politicians are immature which is bad. I don't want to conclude but how I see Philippine politics for decades - senators will vote to please the people, they will vote according to their political affiliation. we have seen this during the Erap impeachment, senators belonging to Erap refused to open the envelop. Those from the opposition, drilon, legarda - cried.
    • Roy Arvin  •  Manila, National Capital Region  •  4 months ago
      I personally think that SC spokesperson Midas Marquez should also present his SALN.
    • Froilan  •  Manila, National Capital Region  •  4 months ago
      from one of the quotes i remember, it goes something like this-" what we need is a change in men not the change of men". lahat naman tayo may kasalanan, disiplina sa sarili ang kailangan para maging maayos ang lahat. pag disiplinado ang tao walang kurap kasi walang makukurap. gawa ng gawa ng batas tapos di naman ginagamit kasi inaareglo lahat ng kasalanan. lahat tayo kurap. ayusin natin buhay natin bago tayo pumuna ng iba...
    • godstruck  •  4 months ago
      Part 2

      I think you never thought that you would one day be accountable to us and you never realized that we hold you responsible for your misdeeds in serving your interest than that of the common good.

      Maybe you forgot the Latin Maxim: Salus Populi Supreme est Lex, which means the Supreme Welfare of the People is the Supreme Law.

      Clinging to that position which is not yours after all makes you look pathetic and disgusting. You forget to live up to the highest ideals of moral integrity and noble service to the nation. That you seem so obsessed with POWER instead of humility.

      It is true indeed through the words of John Emerich Edward Dalberg Acton, first Baron Acton (1834–1902) - historian and moralist, who expressed his opinion in a letter to Bishop Mandell Creighton in 1887:

      "Power tends to corrupt, and absolute power corrupts absolutely. Great men are almost always bad men."

      The same way as William Pitt, the Elder, The Earl of Chatham and British Prime Minister from 1766 to 1778 said that:

      "Unlimited power is apt to corrupt the minds of those who possess it"

      Without any word of conviction due to the merits of the evidence before the impeachment court I can already see your true nature and motives by clinging to the position as if you are going to die unless you are the Chief Justice.

      Please I beg you...pray harder that you won't die...impeached by the people not only in the Supreme Court but might as well in their hearts and mind, as if the mere utter of your name is equated with the words of DECEIT, Corruption and Contempt.
    • Ano  •  Manila, National Capital Region  •  4 months ago
      All we need is to pray for the truth to come out. Only the truth will set our country free.
    • divine.danish  •  Paris, France  •  4 months ago
      Impeachment Trial is the best model on earth that all authorized V.I.P`s must endure their task as Public Servant not for Private Servant for VIP`s only but ensure public trust, authority, security, dominion & victory where justice must prevail 24 hours to all rich or poor bodies on earth. When there is a smoke there is always fire therefore general technical & electrical check all over areas tip top must be done to ensure safety before all is inflected from the heat can cause acute deadly chemicals from the Serpent of appointed tentacles & appointed bodies from heavenly Lucifer. We will keep on eye 24 hours and keep praying....Our Father in heaven...your Kingdom Laws must now come on earth as it is in heaven. Give us these day our daily bread with all our love ones & more missions on earth to endure your own will unto us your appointed bodies on earth. Praise the name of our Father Almighty Jesus Christ be more blessed us all Amen.
    • vigor  •  Manila, National Capital Region  •  4 months ago
      any day now corona will get sick and need to delay the impeachment trial...any bets????
    • kingky  •  4 months ago
      simple logic. if you are confident on your innocence, would you still apply delaying tactics?
    • M M  •  Manila, National Capital Region  •  4 months ago
      after day 1, we are starting to see what's the ground for the defense team, and it's not even rock solid.
      pero may mga di masaya sa impeachment trial na irrational ang mga comments dito. they're siding with evil? then they're evil too- sampu ng pamilya nila, evil! pera ng bayan ang nilustay, pera na para sana sa atin, para sa pamilya natin, para guminhawa ang buhay natin, ng anak natin, ng barangay, ng justice system, ng bayan natin, pero pinangbili ng mga ari-arian para magbuhay-hari - kaya dapat lang habulin at i-prove na guilty or otherwise... that's the rule of law, and even the chief justice is NOT above the Law! He has to prove that he's innocent and still fit for the position. It's a painful process yet, in the end, this is healthy for our country, it's for you and for me.
    • patoknapastor  •  4 months ago
      Subukan niyo lang mag-transact sa gobyerno at sasakit ang ulo niyo sa mga katarantaduhan. Walang nabago. Grabe pa rin ang korapsyon. Alisin na lng ang kongreso at paliitin ang bureaukrasya.
    • Eck  •  Manila, National Capital Region  •  4 months ago
      Prosecution won, but the public loss. Again, another day that the court proclaimed a holiday. These govt employees should be reprimanded especially Midas Marquez. No amount of rally can sway the Senate decision at the end of the impeachment trial. The Civil Service should act on this and must make sure another court holiday does not happen. If SC employess desire to have a rally, do it after work or don't report for work. Shame on this people delaying the dispensation of justice! Justice delayed is Justice denied!
    • Brad  •  4 months ago
      It's interesting to note that Corona's councul entered a plea of not guilty even before being asked by the court to do so. Mahirap na maunahan pa? baka ma declare na guilty.
    • darkslayer  •  Quezon City, National Capital Region  •  4 months ago
      sana maging maganda ang resulta ng impeachment. mailabas ang totoo at matangal ang may baho. :)

      aantabayanan ko ito..
    • k-1,  •  Manila, National Capital Region  •  4 months ago
      akin lang po... alam naman nyo ang tama at mali...
      ang paggawa ng mabuti ay hindi nagdudulot ng masama...
      "Walang gawang mabuti na magbubunga ng masama"
    • march  •  Manila, National Capital Region  •  4 months ago
      corona's statement against hacienda luisita is a poor tactic intended to confuse many of us, he is trying his evil best to diversify the "talk of the town" impeachment to the issue of hacienda luisita.. this tactic will no longer work out as majority of the filipinos want to punish those who are extremely abused, greedy, and corrupt most specifically the CGMA family..
      how could someone working as supreme court chief justice owned multiple luxurious properties? and what is obvious here, he got to own all of those only during the term where arroyo is in power.
    • Corona suddenly leaves impeachment court

      Yahoo! Southeast Asia Newsroom

      Embattled Chief Justice Renato Corona has maintained he was falsely accused in his impeachment, as he lamented President Benigno "Noynoy" Aquino III's "hatred" against him.

    • Chief Justice Renato Corona: I am innocent

      Chief Justice Renato Corona: I am innocent

      Chief Justice Renato Corona: I am innocent

      The embattled Chief Justice maintains he was falsely accused in his impeachment, as he lamented President Benigno "Noynoy" Aquino III's "hatred" against him.

    • Corona to testify Tuesday; Could Senators grill him?

      Yahoo! Southeast Asia Newsroom

      Senator-judges have been urged to refrain from issuing “unnecessary” statements so as not to jeopardize the impeachment trial where Chief Justice Renato Corona is set to testify Tuesday.

    • Philippines' top judge testifies, walks out of trial

      Philippines' top judge testifies, walks out of trial

      AFP News
      Philippines' top judge testifies, walks out of trial

      The Philippines' top judge denied he was a crook as he testified then dramatically walked out at his own trial Tuesday, denouncing his impeachment as a personal vendetta by President Benigno Aquino.

    • PNoy, INC Chief Meet

      MB

      MANILA, Philippines -- President Benigno S. Aquino III met yesterday with Iglesia Ni Cristo (INC) Executive Minister Eduardo Manalo to ''touch base'' and explain his position on the impeachment of Chief Justice Renato Corona.