P-Noy gets Cebu group’s backing

A CEBU group is backing President Benigno Aquino III in his fight against Supreme Court Chief Justice Renato Corona.

The Cebu Coalition for People Power Volunteers for Reform yesterday convened to back up Aquino in his row against Corona.

Lawyer Democrito Barcenas, the interim chairperson of the group, said they would want to emphasize that they were not entirely against the High Court.

“The impeachment (case) is just against Corona—not the judiciary. We respect the Supreme Court as an institution. We need the SC. We do not need Corona,” Barcenas told Cebu Daily News.

“Corona is not the Supreme Court. The Supreme Court is not Corona. It (impeachment) is not an assault to the judiciary,” he said.

The group is composed of members of the academe, lawyers, and students.

Barcenas said they would make a resolution to support Aquino and this would be submitted to the President.

Barcenas, one of the directors of the Philippine National Oil Corp., said the Congress has the right to start an impeachment against Corona.

“Chief Justice Corona has the chance to defend himself. That is good for him,” Barcenas said.

Barcenas said it is up to Corona to resign.  Reporter Ador Vincent S. Mayol