Verdict on Corona impeach trial could come as early as May 28—Enrile

MANILA, Philippines—Senate President Juan Ponce Enrile said Tuesday that the impeachment court could be casting their votes by Monday next week at the earliest.

Enrile said that depending on Chief Justice Renato Corona’s testimony, who is expected to take the witness stand Tuesday, “we expect to vote, the earliest is Monday.”

Defense counsel Ramon Esguerra said in a separate interview that they “are also ready for the verdict. One way or the other we should be ready,” Esguerra said. “Hopefully we can celebrate.”

He said the duration of today’s proceedings would depend on how the defense will conduct their direct examination of Corona.

When asked how long the proceedings on Tuesday could take, Enrile said, “maybe around eight, nine, [or] 10 [in the evening].”

He reiterated that the senators will respect Corona when he takes the witness stand saying “we’re going to be very civil about it, no point in becoming rude or insulting.”

Tuesday is the 40th day of the impeachment trial of Supreme Court Chief Justice Renato Corona who is facing charges of culpable violation of the constitution, betrayal of public trust, and corruption, among others.