Motion for inhibition vs Drilon ‘not attack on person’, Corona lawyers say

MANILA, Philippines – Lawyers of Chief Justice Renato Corona on Friday defended the motion for inhibition they filed before the Senate against Senator-Judge Franklin Drilon, saying that they are “not attacking the person.”

In a telephone interview on Friday, lawyer Tranquil Salvador told INQUIRER.net that they would “continue to respect the institution [Senate]”.

“Hindi kami nandito para makipag-away.We are not here to fight. It’s just something that we want the court to take note of,” Salvador said, adding “It’s a legal remedy and Senator Drilon knows that. He’s a long-time practicing lawyer.”

Salvador said that their filing a motion on Thursday did not automatically mean that Drilon would be excluded from the impeachment court proceedings.

“It’s the impeachment court who will decide [on the motion for inhibition]. They will most likely form a caucus to decide on this,” he said.

The defense team filed a 15-page motion on Thursday afternoon asking Drilon to inhibit from impeachment court proceedings after he had allegedly “displayed his partiality” by causing the introduction of evidence, particularly Corona’s statement of assets, liabilities, and net worth during the January 17 hearing.

“It is respectfully prayed that this motion to inhibit be calendared for hearing and after submission thereof, that the impeachment court render judgment and order the recusal, inhibition or disqualification of Senator-Judge Franklin Drilon,” the motion said.