Manila RTC judges, employees arrive at Supreme Court

MANILA, Philippines — Despite the rain, judges and employees of the Manila regional trial court  (RTC) on Wednesday marched by the hundreds towards the Supreme Court in support for embattled Chief Justice Renato Corona.

Mostly dressed in black, the judges and court employees started their march at around 12:20 p.m. and arrived at the Supreme Court 12:40 p.m.

Manila RTC Judge Silvino Pampilo told INQUIRER.net how the judges and staff of the courts were saddened at how fast the House of Representatives handled the impeachment complaint against Corona.

“Napakabilis (ng decision). Kaming mga judges lahat ay nalulungkot sa pangyayari (The decision came in fast. Us judges were saddened by what happened),” said Pampilo, adding how they decided to declare a nationwide court holiday in a show of support for Corona.

“Majority of us wore black today and will march from the Manila regional trial court towards the Supreme Court where Chief Justice will give a speech,” he added.

“We are behind the chief justice in this no matter what the cost,” said Manila regional trial court Judges Association President Antonio Eugenio Jr., adding that they expected roughly 500 persons from the court to join the march to the Supreme Court.

Pampilo revealed that part of their worry in how the impeachment complaint against Corona was being handled was the possibility of a constitutional crisis.

Asked how possible it was for such a crisis to arise as consequence of the case Corona is facing, Pampilo replied “sa tingin ko magkakaroon (I think there will be consequences).”

Corona is expected to issue a statement on the impeachment complaint lodged against him by the House of Representatives sometime Wednesday.