Chief Justice Renato Corona’s supporters bike their way to the Senate Tuesday, as the chief magistrate takes the witness stand. Photo by Jamie Marie Elona
MANILA, Philippines—Supporters of Chief Justice Renato Corona said that his testimony before the Senate’s impeachment court Tuesday will finally shed light on accusations hurled against him, as they expressed confidence he will be acquitted.
“[This serves as] his last laugh,” said Jojo Guirero, one of the Supreme Court workers who accompanied Corona at the Senate.
He said that Corona’s alleged deficiency his Statements of Assets, Liabilities and Net worth (SALNs) will finally be settled once and for all, “kung dapat ba talagang ilagay [sa SALN] ang pag-aari ng inyong mga magulang kung trustee ka.”
He also said that they were amazed at the guts of Corona who chose to personally defend himself by taking the witness stand, saying it could be a lot easier if he just resigned.
“Bilib kami sa kanyang lakas ng loob kaya dinadamayan namin siya,” Guirero said, adding that this should serve as an example for other members of the judiciary to fight and prove their innocence if they know that they are not doing anything wrong.
Groups on board six shuttle buses, along with members of the Judiciary Cycle Club of Supreme Court, and another motorcycle group carrying small flags bearing the words “Acquit CJ Corona”, accompanied Corona as he traveled to the Senate office in Pasay City. The chief magistrate arrived in a black Chevrolet SUV draped with red ribbons.
Meanwhile, asked if someone paid them to join the protest in support of Corona, Cristo Abella strongly said that they came here voluntarily, stressing that their movement was not supported with funds.
“Kusang loob kaming pumunta dito hindi kami nagpabayad, hindi kami naghakot,” Abella said.
He said that they will accompany Corona everytime he comes back to Senate for court hearings, “rain or shine.”