Majority of senators already have own judgement, says Senator Estrada

Sen. Jinggoy Estrada. INQUIRER FILE PHOTO

MANILA, Philippines—Majority of the senator-judges already have their own judgement on the impeachment case of Supreme Court Chief Justice Renato Corona, Senator Jose “Jinggoy” Estrada said Wednesday.

“I think majority of the senators have already made up their minds,” Estrada told reporters.

The trial has been going on for five months, “so more or less each senator already knows how they will decide,” he said.

The trial was adjourned on Wednesday after the impeachment court decided to give Corona until Friday to recover from his illness and to resume his testimony.

Corona was taken to The Medical City Hospital in Pasig City after Tuesday’s session where he suddenly walked out of the session hall after giving his opening statement because he was complaining of dizziness and nausea.

He was not able to return to the senate Wednesday because he was still in the Intensive Care Unit. Senate President Juan Ponce Enrile decided to give Corona extra time to recover.

The senate has decided to set oral argument on Monday after which they are likely to render a decision.

“We will no longer prolong [the trial] because we are trying to avoid lobbying,” Estrada said.

“Most of the senators already have a decision,” Estrada said. “Para maiwasan yung merong gagapang, we will have to decide right away.”

“After five months of hearing this case, most probably I already know what my decision will be,” he said.