Chief Justice Renato Corona. INQUIRER FILE PHOTO
MANILA, Philippines–Embattled Chief Justice Renato Corona arrived at the Senate in Pasay City to take the witness stand before the impeachment court on Tuesday.
This is the first time that no less than Corona, the respondent himself, will appear and testify in the trial.
Day 40 of the trial will start at around 2:00 in the afternoon.
Accompanied by his supporters all the way from the Supreme Court of the Philippines, Corona’s convoy arrived around 1:20 p.m., accompanied by his supporters who staged a protest caravan from their office in Padre Faura, Ermita, Manila.
His supporters, the Judiciary Cycle Club of Supreme Court, along with another motorcycle group, accompanied Corona carrying small flags bearing the words “Acquit CJ Corona.”
Reports said that Corona joined an interfaith mass before heading to the Senate to defend himself before the senator judges for the first time as the defense team’s last witness.
From the Supreme Court, Corona’s convoy turned right to Maria Orosa, left to UN Avenue, then to Roxas Boulevard until they reached the Senate office.
The chief magistrate arrived in a black Chevrolet SUV draped with red ribbons.
He entered the Senate with his wife, Cristina.
Navotas Representative Tobias Tiangco was also seen with the group coming from the high court.
Corona’s arrival caused chaos inside the building starting with television crew running after his SUV as it drove into the parking area.
Chaos followed up to the hallway outside the plenary hall where the trial will take place. Cameramen shouted at the mob that formed at the doorway.
Members of the Basa family were also seen present at the impeachment court to watch Corona’s testimony.
Originally posted at 01:33 pm | Tuesday, May 22, 2012