Enrile chides prosecution, defense over pro-, anti-Corona statements

MANILA, Philippines – Senate president and presiding officer Juan Ponce-Enrile on Wednesday chided the prosecution and defense teams for issuing public statements projecting that they have won the case either for or against Chief Justice Renato Corona.

Enrile said both parties were putting the Senate, sitting as an impeachment court, in a “very serious predicament” when they made public pronouncements about the weight and the quantum of evidence they had presented.

“No one can be sure of the outcome of this case even if you’ve presented your evidence. We will wait for the completion of the entire trial until the judgment can be pronounced,” he said.

“So please don’t make certain statements outside that may …confuse the people or convince [them] na panalo na kayo. Wala pang panalo dito. Huwag kayong maniniguro,” Enrile said at the start of the resumption of the impeachment trial.

“Tapos sasabihin nyo natalo kami dahil mga senador nasuhulan dahil malakas ag aming kaso. Hindi anun ang paglilitis e. so I hope you will take this advice because we have to be truthful to our people,” he said.

After his statement, the Senate then called back to the witness stand the cameraman of ABS-CBN, Danny Piedad, for cross-examination by the defense team.

After only a few questions by the defense lead counsel, former Supreme Court Associate Justice Serafin Cuevas, the Senate immediately discharged the witness.

Piedad was the last witness presented by the prosecution team. It rested its case against Corona Wednesday.