Defense to present 15 witnesses, says Corona lawyer

MANILA, Philippines – The lawyers of Chief Justice Renato Corona will present 15 witnesses in his defense, his lead counsel, Serafin Cuevas, said Tuesday as the Senate, acting as an impeachment court, resumed the trial of Corona.

Cuevas, a former Supreme Court associate justice, disclosed this on questioning by Senator Miriam Defensor-Santiago, who returned from a weeklong absence in the Senate due to hypertension.

Aside from 15 witnesses, Cuevas informed Santiago that they have submitted 23 pieces of documentary evidence to the Senate and would submit 25 more before they wind up their presentation.

On the part of the prosecution team, its chief, Iloilo Representative Niel Tupas Jr. said they could only provide the number  of witnesses that the  prosecution would present for this Tuesday’s trial.

Tupas was even chided by Santiago when he failed to immediately respond to the senator’s query.

“Don’t shake your head with me…You should have known,” said Santiago.

Before this, Santiago immediately made her presence known when she stood up and criticized those who were using the impeachment trial to grandstand.

“Huwag na tayong na tayong magpa-epal dito dahil nawawalan ng gana ang mga nanonood,” she said.