Evidence should prevail in Corona impeachment trial

MANILA, Philippines — Senate President Juan Ponce-Enrile said evidence and not emotion or public opinion should prevail in the impeachment trial of Supreme Court Chief Justice Renato Corona.

Chief Justice Renato Corona

“Ibatay natin sa ebidensya – hindi sa emosyon, hindi  sa opinion ng bayan. Kahit na mahalaga ang opinion ng bayan ngunit sa ilalim ng lahat kailangan katarungan ang batayan,” he said.

Enrile said the Senate, acting as an impeachment court for Corona, is now all set to start the trial when it convenes on Jan. 16, 2012.

The Senate will first hold its legislative work in the morning before it convenes as an impeachment court in  the afternoon.

While the Senate was prepared for Corona’s trial, Enrile warned against the filing of another impeachment complaint with other Supreme Court justices.

“Pag nangyari yun, yun ang nakaka –disrupt,” he said, adding in jest , “Baka maubos ang mga SC justices, Wala na tayong Supreme Court. Mahirap yun.”

Enrile also dismissed anew any ouster move against him.

“Ok lang yun.. Hindi agaw yun. Talagang ganyan e .Ako naman sinabi ko sa kanila na anytime…kung may 13 pangalan. na kayo, ibigay nyo,  ipakita nyo sa akin kaagad agad. Hindi na ako uupo dun sa kuwan [impeachment],” he said.

The Senate leader even likened his post to a song entitled, “May simula at katapusan.”