Chief Justice Renato Corona RAFFY LERMA
MANILA, Philippines – The prosecution team said it is willing to waive its right to cross -examine Chief Justice Renato Corona if he would only return to the Senate acting as an impeachment court for such purpose, its chief said on Wednesday.
Chief prosecutor and Iloilo Representative Niel Tupas Jr. declared this after Corona’s lead counsel, former Supreme Court Justice Serafin Cuevas, told the Senate that the Chief Justice could not attend Wednesday’s trial due to the top magistrate’s “physical and mental condition.”
Tupas first asked if the defense team would still conduct direct examination of Corona when he decides to return to the witness stand.
Corona only gave his opening statement when he appeared in the trial for the first time Tuesday.
Responding to Tupas’ query, Cuevas said, “We will continue with our direct examination and after we are through, then he will be ready for cross- examination.”
“The reason we asked that your honor is that because if the Chief Justice is coming back only for cross examination, then the prosecution is willing to waive our right to cross examine him,” said Tupas.
“Very good,” said Senate President Juan Ponce-Enrile , who presides over the trial, said.