MANILA, Philippines – Former presidents of the Integrated Bar of the Philippines (IBP) has called on Chief Justice Renato Corona to go on leave while the impeachment process against him was ongoing.
“It is still the call of the Chief Justice whether he would go on leave or not but we believe that it would be best that he concentrate on his defense,” Solicitor-General Jose Anselmo Cadiz, IBP President from 2003 to 2006 said.
“He should do so [go on leave] to remove doubts on actions of the Court,” lawyer Jose Aguila Grapilon (IBP President from 1997 to 1999) said.
The five former IBP Presidents issued a manifesto, saying the impeachment of the Chief Justice is healthy for democracy.
Aside from Cadiz and Grapilon, also joining the manifesto include lawyers Raoul Angangco (1995-1997), Arthur Lim (1999-2001) and Teofilo Pilando (2001-2003).
Corona’s impeachment trial is set to start on January 16.