The Chief Justice on Trial

The headlines today are all about the impeachment trial of Supreme Court chief Justice Renato Corona and this is unquestionably the most significant political and legal trial to happen in history now.

This is a historical event, because this is the first time in our country that the person who is supposed to advocate the law of the Philippines is being put on trial for impeachment.

Can it be fair?

 

The country is extremely known for having a slow, unreasonable and unfair justice system. Whether guilty or not, Corona himself must go through due process of the law. It’ll works depends on how things are handled. The Chief Justice still has the opportunity to clear his name to the accusation that he is indeed innocent. And the rest of us will be given an instant view on his personal lifestyle and his wealth.

Impeachment VS Corona – Day 1

Impeachment court denies Corona’s motion for a preliminary hearing
Upon the motion of Majority Floor Leader Vicente Sotto, the Senate tackled the motion for a preliminary hearing filed by Corona’s defense team regarding the verification of the impeachment complaint, which Corona claims was "fatally defective." 

Impeachment VS Corona – Day 2

Denial of request to subpoena Corona and his family and rejection to request of the defense panel to subpoena House Speaker Feliciano Belmonte, chief prosecutor Rep. Niel Tupas Jr., former Deputy Speaker Jesus Crispin Remulla, House Secretary General Marilyn Yap, Batangas Rep. Herminaldo Mandanas, and Navotas Rep. Tobias Tiangco.

Impeachment VS Corona – Day 3

Supreme Court  Clerk of Court refuses to submit SALNs of Corona, Senator-judge Franklin Drilon asked Vidal if she would produce the SALNs in case the SC would deny the “request” of the Senate subpoena. Vidal said she would if the impeachment court required her to, adding that she believes the SC would grant the request and she simply needed time to get the high court’s approval.

Impeachment VS Corona – Day 4

Defense blocks presentation of evidence on Corona property upon cross-examination by defense counsel Serafin Cuevas, Rutaquio admitted that he was not present when the certificates of title and deeds of sale were processed. However, he was quick to add that the documents would not have reached him unless these had passed through the normal registration process of the Registry of Deeds of Taguig.

Impeachment VS Corona – Day 5

Justice delayed is justice denied, Senator-judge Miriam Defensor-Santiago pointed out the “quasi-political and quasi-judicial” nature of the impeachment trial, which dictates the need for a speedy trial that would satisfy the public while adhering to the applicable rules of court. But she said the Rules of Court do not apply totally to the impeachment proceedings.

Impeachment VS Corona – Day 6

Mrs. Corona’s income and properties, Corona’s wife, Cristina, did not file any ITR but had registered as a taxpayer in 2003, when she bought property in La Vista, Quezon City, Henares said. Mrs. Corona registered as a one-time taxpayer after paying capital gains tax and documentary stamp tax for the property.

Let’s not just discuss the intellect needed to actually understand the proceedings and the terms, let along come up with an unbiased and intelligent decision regarding the trial.