Corona ‘walkout’ prelude to rejection, says Sen. Pangilinan

Senator Francis Pangilinan. INQUIRER PHOTO

Despite his medical condition, Chief Justice Renato Corona got little sympathy from Senators Francis Pangilinan and Franklin Drilon, especially following his “invitation” for other lawmakers to sign a waiver on their foreign currency deposits.

Pangilinan on Wednesday said Corona’s decision to leave the witness stand without being formally discharged was a “prelude to rejecting an adverse ruling” by the impeachment court.

“My sense is that in the event of an unfavorable ruling, he will bring the matter to the Supreme Court despite the clear constitutional provision that says the Senate has the sole power to try and decide the case,” he said in a text message.

“He will insist on the Supreme Court having power to overturn a decision of the impeachment court,” he said.

Drilon was outraged by Corona’s move to sign a waiver on his dollar accounts on the condition that Drilon and all 188 House members who signed the impeachment complaint against him would do the same.

“I will not fall into his trap. I will not go down to his level. He is pathetic!” Drilon said in a statement.