Corona impeachment trial resumes

MANILA, Philippines — The Senate acting as an impeachment court resumed on Monday, the eight day of the impeachment trial of Chief Justice Renato Corona.

Senate President Juan Ponce-Enrile opened the trial at around 2:00 in the afternoon.

Senator Miriam Defensor-Santiago was notably absent in the hearing, again due to hypertension, which she said was an “indicative of a possible stroke.”

“This morning, after getting up from bed, my blood pressure was registered at 180/100. After medication, it is now 160/90,” Santiago said in her letter to Senate President Juan Ponce-Enrile dated January 30, 2012.

“These figures constitute the basis for continuing diagnosis of hypertension, indicative of a possible stroke. Hence, I have to stay at home,” she added.