Lawmakers properly informed of impeach rap vs Chief Justice Corona, says Tupas
MANILA, Philippines — Congressmen were properly informed of the charges that would be hurled against Chief Justice Renato C. Corona during a caucus Monday afternoon before they signed the document later submitted as the Articles of Impeachment.
Representative Niel Tupas, chair of the House justice committee, gave this assurance in an ambush interview at the Senate when he and Representative Reynaldo Umali personally submitted 31 copies of the articles to the office of the Senate secretary.
“Before the caucus, leaders of House majority coalition who indicated their support for impeachment were given copies. Many others still approached me and Umali, as drafters of the complaint, asking that the charges be explained to them,” Tupas recalled.
“So, Speaker (Feliciano) Belmonte gave me an opportunity then to explain the articles, including the evidence that would be presented if ever (they) reach the Senate,” he added.
Tupas noted that before he spoke, Belmonte assured those present that in case they still had “second thoughts” after the presentation, it would not be taken against them if they refused to sign.
“The Speaker said, ‘it’s ok if you don’t sign. There would be no sanctions. We would respect your decision,” Tupas said.
“But those who were convinced after the presentation immediately asked for a copy so they can sign. We believe we have now a strong case against the Chief Justice,” he told Senate reporters.
Tupas assured that Malacanang had no direct involvement in the relatively speedy process by which the articles of impeachment were passed by the House and transmitted to the Senate.
Asked whether the Palace played a role in the impeachment, Tupas said: “Malacañang has no instructions, that’s for sure. No direct instructions. But since this is a political process, when we decided in House a few days ago (to complete the impeachment complaint), we told the President that there already is a consensus among congressmen. He replied that he would support the move.”
“There was no instruction or order saying ‘Impeach the Chief Justice’. When the President was informed of plan, he said, ‘It is your prerogative. Susuporta lang ako’ (I will support).”
Tupas pointed out that as early as September, a “study committee” was formed to conduct “research for…possible impeachment complaints against members of the Supreme Court.”
He said the process gained steam “some days last week when the House leadership decided to go on with this. Representative Umali and I were assigned to complete and finish the draft complaint in time for (Monday’s) caucus. We did not sleep for three days.”
Throughout the ambush interview, Tupas repeatedly pointed out that House prosecutors who would present evidence against Corona “have really strong cases against him.”
“We have documentary evidence, testimonial, and other such evidence that are not yet included in attachments,” he said.
“We have many witnesses but I don’t want to identify them yet. Many are key witnesses who would come out only when it is relevant. Of course, we also don’t want an extended trial. We want this finished as soon as possible, like roughly six months,” Tupas added.
The House justice chair also said that among those he would like to recommend to the 11-man prosecution panel are Deputy Speaker Erin Tañada, Umali, Cavite Representative Joseph Abaya and party-list Representatives Kaka Bag-ao and Neric Colmenares.
