De Lima won’t testify again in Corona impeachment trial

Justice Secretary Leila de Lima on Friday objected to moves by lawyers of impeached Chief Justice Renato Corona to have her testify again at the Senate impeachment trial.

De Lima said she had received a subpoena from the impeachment court for her to appear before the trial as a “hostile witness” for the defense.

“That is objectionable. If they missed certain points in their cross examination, that’s their fault,” De Lima said in an interview.

She said she would refer the subpoena to the House prosecutors so they could decide on what to do.

“I want to ask the defense and the Senate why I still need to be summoned since I’ve already testified and they’ve already cross-examined me,” De Lima said.

“I leave it up to the prosecution what to do if they agree with me… I want to know what is (the defense’s) objective. What is their game plan?” she added.

De Lima had earlier testified on the seventh article of impeachment against Corona.