SC Justices snub palace reception

MANILA, Philippines—Chief Justice Renato Corona and other members of the Supreme Court appear to have snubbed Friday’s annual New Year reception in Malacanang.

“They were invited as is the protocol but I understand why they didn’t attend,” Communications Development Secretary Ricky Carandang said when asked about the absence of Corona and his colleagues.

“It’s not an issue for us,” Carandang added.

Corona faces trial by the Senate starting Monday after he was impeached by the House of Representatives in a move initiated by President Aquino’s allies. Aquino openly backed the impeachment and has frequently criticized Corona in public.