Chief Justice Renato Corona. INQUIRER FILE PHOTO
MANILA, Philippines — Several lawmakers, including a member of the House prosecution team, believe a second impeachment case is unlikely to prosper against Chief Justice Renato Corona should he succeed in convincing at least eight senators to acquit him in the on-going trial.
“This is all or nothing for Chief Justice Corona. I do not think that in the remote event that he is acquitted, there will be a second impeachment complaint,” said Dasmariñas Rep. Elpidio Barzaga in a text message.
In her testimony, Ombudsman Conchita Carpio-Morales confirmed that her office was investigating the alleged $10 million in accounts of Corona as a basis for filing a second impeachment complaint in December this year or upon the expiration of the 12–month ban on an impeachment complaint.
Aurora Rep. Juan Edgardo Angara, a prosecution spokesperson, said: “Although even more reasons or grounds have emerged to impeach the CJ in the course of the trial, the short time window available might be a factor against filing again this December.”
Nueva Ecija Rep. Rodolfo Antonino, one of the 188 lawmakers who signed the impeachment complaint, believed that the on-going trial should resolve all the unanswered questions regarding Corona’s unexplained wealth and preclude a second one six months from now.
“It’s like the last two minutes in a basketball game, everything is one the line, there will be no tomorrow. All issues against the CJ should be answered in this trial because the impeachment has been very distracting. We cannot focus on solving other pressing problems,” said Antonino.
Cavite Rep. Jesus Crispin Remulla said Corona should be able to make a comprehensive testimony on all allegations against him, including those not stated in the complaint. “We have to listen to his (Corona) defense first. There will be no more time next year. It’s all or nothing now,” said Remulla.
But Isabela Rep. Giorgidi Aggabao, a prosecutor, remained doubtful that Corona would appear in court on Tuesday. “I still believe the Chief Justice won’t testify. But then again, the defense shot their foot in calling for Ombudsman Morales to testify. They may err again by putting [Corona] in the witness chair,” said Aggabao.
Aggabao also argued that the House should file a second impeachment complaint based primarily on the Anti-Money Laundering Council report on Corona’s alleged dollar accounts.
“Learning from the first impeachment experience, the House should subpoena all pertinent evidence from the banks ahead of trial. This way, the trial should be at its smoothest and not be in fits and starts,” said Aggabao.
Angara said only the Chief Justice could save himself this time. “How he conducts himself and how much he is willing to reveal will determine his fate. He has the gargantuan task of debunking or discrediting hundreds of documents and witnesses who have shown that he has millions worth of accounts and properties,” said Angara.