Media seek live coverage of Corona impeach trial

MANILA, Philippines—The Senate has been swamped by requests from various television networks seeking a live coverage of the impeachment trial of Supreme Court Chief Justice Renato Corona.

But due to limited space in the plenary of the Senate, its public relations and information bureau (PRIB) decided that only one network would be allowed to cover the trial but it should provide the audio-video footages to other networks.

“To be fair to all, we will do this by lottery,” said the PRIB in a letter to all TV networks. The draw lots was schedule at 2 p.m. Wednesday.

“The winning network shall provide audio-video footages to those who will be covering the trial. All other networks shall be allowed to make their mini studios in a committee room located on the second floor near the plenary,” it further said.

“Stand uppers” in the plenary and loitering on the hallway during the trial are prohibited, said the PRIB.

The bureau also prohibited the networks from using light for any purpose in the plenary hall, cable visible on the hallway and tripod for any purpose on the hallway.