SC will accept senator-judges’ verdict in impeachment case
MANILA, Philippines–The Supreme Court will accept “whatever verdict” the Senate impeachment court will render on embattled Chief Justice Renato Corona, a member of the high tribunal said Monday.
Associate Justice Martin Villarama, who has been assigned to write the high court ruling on Corona’s petition to stop his impeachment, said the tribunal would accept any Senate decision, which is expected to be out Tuesday.
He also said that his draft ponencia on Corona’s petition was ready but he partially agreed with a reporter’s question that it could become “moot” due to the Senate ruling expected on Tuesday.
“We’ll accept anything. We’ll accept the verdict. Whatever it is, we’ll accept it,” Villarama told reporters during an ambush interview at the Supreme Court.
“If there are adjustments to be made, we will try our best to serve the Filipino people and the nation. It’s hard if there’s no justice. That cannot be shattered,” he said.
“You have to improve or regain the confidence of the people on the judiciary. Well, congratulations if (Corona’s) acquitted. We’ll try to do better in the times ahead,” he added.
Villarama urged senators to be “objective” in their decision and not let political considerations affect how they vote on whether to convict the chief justice.
“They’re all intelligent. They’re all upright. I hope there would be less politics … be objective about the whole thing for the good of the Filipino people,” Villarama said.
“Well, good luck to the chief. I can say that he’s a good man. He’s been very good to us. He’s been a good leader since I joined the court. I wish him luck,” he added.
Villarama said that, as a member of the high court, he was also “affected” by the impeachment trial of Corona, adding that it was as if the Supreme Court itself was also under trial.
“Why is this happening? We’re supposed to be the example of everything nice to society … good to society. It’s not really healthy but it’s a process which (is) guaranteed under the Constitution. It’s there already. Let’s follow it. Let’s respect it,” said Villarama, adding that he also watched the trial on TV when he had the time.
“Well, personally of course, we are affected. I’m part of the Supreme Court. I don’t know but you are a member of this institution. If the institution is under trial, partly I’m also under trial,” he added.
Villarama said he was willing to waive the confidentiality of his bank accounts and had also released his statement of assets, liabilities, and net worth.
“Yes, I’m willing. In the first place, I already came out with my SALN last February in response to Mr. Harvey Keh’s letter, PCIJ”s (Philippine Center for Investigative Journalism) Ms. Malou Mangahas and two others,” Villarama said.
“I directed the Clerk of Court to send them my copy of the SALN for 2011 which the Clerk of Court complied (with). Somebody asked me over the weekend if I’m willing to waive this confidentiality thing–I’m willing at the proper time,” he said.
“What waiver do they want? In the bank? It’s there at the BPI (Bank of the Philippine Islands) on UN Avenue and also in East-West (Bank). I will sign it and If you want I can give the account number. Some congressmen have waived theirs so, if I refuse, it would not look good so I’m willing,” he added.
Supreme Court Associate Justice Roberto Abad said he was also willing to waive the confidentiality of his bank accounts because he had “nothing to hide.”
“I’m willing. I didn’t really think hard about it because I have nothing to hide,” Abad said in a separate ambush interview.
He said it was not a sign of support for Corona but a personal decision. “We’re supposed to be apolitical,” Abad said.
When asked about Corona’s chances of getting acquitted, Abad said: “We’ll leave it up to God.”
Supreme Court employees, during their lunch break on Monday, prayed the rosary for Corona’s acquittal in one of the rooms at the high court’s headquarters in Manila but reporters were not allowed to enter the room.
