Palace unfazed by Fariñas’ comments on weaknesses of impeachment rap vs Corona

MANILA, Philippines—The Palace is unfazed by Ilocos Norte Rep. Rodolfo Fariñas’ admission that the impeachment complaint against Chief Justice Renato Corona was “not that well-written.”

Deputy presidential spokesperson Abigail Valte said on Wednesday that Fariñas had already said that the substance of the complaint against Corona was more important than its form.

“The cause of action is also sufficiently clear for the respondent to understand the allegations against him proven by the fact that Chief Justice Corona was able to file his answer to the articles of impeachment,” Valte said in a text message to reporters.

Fariñas stunned his fellow members in the prosecution team last Tuesday when he told the impeachment court, that he thought the document was “not that well written” in explaining why he did not sign it in the first place.

He said that unlike his fellow lawmakers in the House, he was not a “speed reader.” Besides, he said the complaint already bore the signatures of 188 signatures, more than the required 30 percent of the House membership to transmit it to the Senate, making it unnecessary for him to sign.

Farinas’ admission was a swipe on the prosecution team, which had been at the receiving end of criticisms for the way it handled its case against Corona.