Impeachment court summons Corona

MANILA, Philippines — Supreme Court Chief of Justice Renato Corona has been formally asked by the newly-convened impeachment court to answer the charges filed against him and to face the trial at the proper time.

The order was contained in Senate impeachment court resolution number 1 adopted when the Senate acting as an impeachment court was formally opened on Wednesday.

It was Senate Majority Leader Vicente “Tito” Sotto III, who referred the impeachment complaint against Corona to the court and moved for the adoption of the resolution.

No senator, sitting as judges, objected to the motion.

The resolution ordered the issuance of summons to Corona to answer the Articles of Impeachment “within non-extendible period of 10 days” upon receipt.

It also directed the Chief Justice to appear before the Senate at 2:00 p.m on the date that the court has yet to decide.

After the adoption of the resolution, the court adjourned the proceeding and would stay adjourned 2:00 p.m on Jan. 16, 2012.