Chief Justice won’t take leave while on trial—spokesman

MANILA, Philippines—Chief Justice Renato Corona will take a leave of absence only when necessary, Supreme Court Spokesman Jose Midas Marquez said Thursday.

“He (Corona) will only take a leave of absence if he feels that his duties are already affected (by the impeachment trial),” Marquez told reporters.

Besides, Marquez said the Chief Justice is not required to attend the impeachment trial every day.

The Senate summoned the Chief Justice on Wednesday, giving him 10 days upon receipt to submit his answer on the impeachment complaint.

Marquez said the Chief Justice is already forming his legal team to face the impeachment court next year.

“There are lawyers already volunteering to become part of the team,” he added. “He wants the right lawyers to represent him.”

At the same time, Marquez denied allegations that the judges and court employees who attended Corona’s speech on Wednesday received a bonus.

“We do not have any money to pay those who attended yesterday’s event. The judges and court employees already received the 13th month pay way before all this started,” Marquez said.