Chief Justice Renato Corona. SENATE POOL PHOTO
A steady stream of reactions swarmed the microblogging site Twitter on Tuesday as Chief Justice Renato Corona finally took the witness stand to address allegations at his own impeachment trial.
But this turned into a deluge of comments when Corona excused himself and walked out of the session hall allegedly due to an ailment.
The ruckus was enough to put impeachment-related phrases on the list of trending topics in the Philippines and around the world.
Terms such as “JPE,” “SALN,” “CJ Corona,” and “CJontrial” were among the most-talked about topics worldwide, while phrases such as “Basa-Guidote,” “Hacienda Luisita” and “Senate” also made it on Twitter Philippines.
Some netizens considered the trial, which was carried by various channels, to be more gripping than a blockbuster film and foreign concert act.
“This is the best thing since Star Wars,” tweeted model Erwan Heusaff under his account, @erwanheusaff. “Wow! This is better than the Lady Gaga concert!” user @MyJaninay added.
Senate deserves respect
Peeved by the walkout, user @lostiranian tweeted, “I’m not pro nor anti. But CJ, if you’re not feeling well, there’s an intelligent and respectful way to say it than to walk out.”
“It may be a gutsy move but I think the Senate impeachment court also deserves some respect as what had been given to him,” said user @ron_gomez.
Civic leader Harvey Keh also spoke his mind: “I was maligned by d Corona defense team and yet I finished my testimony.”
Model and TV host Bianca Gonzalez chimed in using her account, @iamsuperbianca: “I feel mad for jpe. after being so respectful, he and his court do not deserve to be treated that way.”
JPE so authoritative
User @ilyakristine gave props to Senator Juan Ponce Enrile for handling the trial well: “I have to say though, I admire Senate President Enrile for being so authoritative. He is clearly on top of the situation. Go JPE!”
Corona’s opening statement won the hearts of others: “I admire Corona’s bravery and integrity,” said user @JeffAbrazaldooo.
“I was watching #CJontrial and i believe him. it’s just that, he is sincere and true. i’d support him all the way,” tweeted user @OsomlyStoopid
For user, @pinkshi, all was fine until Corona headed out of the room: “I think Corona was already heading to the right path. He should’ve gotten the hearts of the public if it weren’t for the walkout.” Lawrence de Guzman, Inquirer Research