Aquino supports Corona impeach bid, says ally

MANILA, Philippines — President Benigno Aquino III supports the impeachment move against Supreme Court Chief Justice Renato Corona, his ally in the House of Representatives said on Tuesday.

Iloilo Representative Niel Tupas Jr. Photo from congress.gov.ph

Iloilo Representative Niel Tupas Jr., who initiated the impeachment bid, said Aquino gave his full support behind the move when they informed him about their decision to impeach Corona.

“Malacanang has no instruction, no direct instructions from Malacanang. But since this is a political process kami po when we decided, the House of Representatives few days ago, pinaalam pa rin po namin sa ating pangulo that this is our decision. Ang sagot lang po ng ating pangulo, suportado nya ito,” Tupas told reporters when he and Oriental Mindoro Represenative Reynaldo Umali transmitted the complaint to the Senate.

But when asked what he meant by “no direct instructions from Malacanang,” the lawmaker immediately corrected himself and clarified that there was no instruction at all.

“No, no. Walang instruction. Walang sinsabing i-impeach yan,” Tupas said.

“In fact, when we told the President that the House has decided to impeach the Chief Justice, sabi nya it’s your prerogative, sole prerogative of of the House pero sabi nya , ako susuporta lang ako,” he said.

President Aquino did not say however how he would give his support for the impeachment bid.

Tupas said they have a strong case against Corona, citing a number of witnesses that they would present during the impeachment trial. He did not give further details.

“Marami po kaming testigo. May may mga testigo kami na importante at siguro ngyaon lang lalabas,” he further said.