Impeachment court to hear Corona’s motion first

MANILA, Philippines—Supreme Court Chief Justice Renato Corona’s motion for preliminary hearing will be the first issue the Senate impeachment court will resolve when trial formally starts next Monday.

At 2 p.m. on Monday, the Senate will convene as an impeachment court to receive the prosecutors from the House of Representatives and the respondent, Corona, “by himself or by agent or counsel.”

The impeachment court will then proceed to consider the motion for preliminary hearing filed by Corona.

“Any agent and/or counsel appearing before the court must file their respective entry of appearance on or before January 16, 2012 stating therein the capacity in which he/she appears, provided that the counsel for the prosecutors shall be under the control and supervision of the panel prosecutors of the House of Representatives,” said the notice signed by Senate President Juan Ponce-Enrile, acting as presiding officer of the impeachment court .

The court will allow only one representative from each party to deliver their respective opening statements, which should not exceed 10 minutes.