MANILA, Philippines – On the first day of the impeachment trial against Chief Justice Renato Corona, INQUIRER.net asked men and women on the street what they thought about the case.
Three questions were asked:
1. Do you believe in the allegations against Chief Justice Renato Corona?
2. Do you believe that Corona will have a fair trial?
3. How do you think will the court decide on the case?
Elmer Panela, 33, of Makati City said he was “halfway” in believing the charges against Corona, but would only fully believe when actual pieces of evidence would be presented. “Kung may apoy may usok….Maniniwala talaga ako kung may [Where there’s smoke, there’s fire . . . I can believe when there’s] solid evidence.”
He said he also believed that Corona would be given a fair trial, and the case would be resolved although it would take time.
Macky Baliuag, 33, of Marikina City said he believed the charges against Corona, but hoped the truth would prevail.
However, Baliuag asked if the citizens would gain from the issue. “Makikinabang ba taong bayan dyan..Kung ma-convict ba siya, makukulong ba sya sa ordinaryong kulungan…Yan ang mahirap satin….Iba yung kulungan ng mayaman sa mahirap…yung nakukulong na mayayaman di makahimas ng reheas na totoo,” he said.
Jessica Sudario, 25, of Alabang, said that she wasn’t one to believe without evidence but based on what she has read on the news, she was likely to believe them. She said that there should be evidence to prove the charges against Corona, but it would be better if his conscience worked instead. She added that she was also hopeful that a fair trial would be given to Corona.
Thelma Martin, 47, of Bulacan said she believed that Corona would be given a fair treatment in the proceedings. She also said she believed that Corona was innocent until proven guilty.
It was also the same for Eleanor Peña, 44, of Sta. Ana, when she said she was “in between” as far as believing Corona was concerned. “Hindi pwede i-judge kaagad . . .” She also said she was 80 percent sure that it would be a fair trial and the outcome would only depend on the proof.