Corona’s testimony to help defense, Santiago says

Senator Miriam Santiago on Friday reiterated that Chief Justice Renato Corona’s direct testimony in his impeachment trial would definitely boost his defense.

Santiago said senator-judges like herself would prefer to hear Corona’s defense from the Chief Justice himself instead of his lawyers presenting various witnesses.

“A case for defense becomes stronger when the one accused testifies,” she explained in Filipino during an ambush interview at the graduation rites of the University of Rizal System in Antipolo City.

“If he does not testify, his defense efforts would not be as convincing. His defense would be strong if he would testify,” she further stressed.

Santiago added that seeing Corona’s facial expressions during his testimony would help the impeachment ascertain whether he is telling the truth or not.

“I hope that the Chief Justice and his wife (Cristina) would personally testify so that like all senator-judges, I can observe the demeanor of the witness. Anyone with judicial experience could tell whether a witness is lying or telling the truth when you study his face,” explained Santiago, a former Quezon City regional trial court judge.

So far, Corona’s lawyers remain very hesitant to put Corona on the witness stand. The trial resumes on May 7.

While they acknowledge that Corona’s actual presence would have a positive impact, lead defense counsel Serafin Cuevas specifically voiced fears that their client might be subjected to humiliating questions or rude treatment by “biased” senator-judges.

Corona’s explanation about how he acquired his high-end properties, including at least two condominium units in Taguig City, is highly awaited.

There is also anticipation about how he would justify his alleged huge peso and dollar deposits in at least two local banks.

“If the concern is whether he might be disrespected (baka bastusin), there is his defense counsel to protect his rights. And there is also the restraining effect of live televised proceedings,” Santiago assured.

“And there are senator-judges like me who would stand up anyway and insist on respect for all kinds of witnesses,” she added.