Corona appearance at Senate a misplaced act of courage – De Lima

Justice Secretary Leila de Lima

MANILA, Philippines—Chief Justice Renato Corona’s act of appearing before the Senate impeachment court on Tuesday and testifying is a “misplaced act of courage” with a “smack of bad faith,” Justice Secretary Leila De Lima said Thursday.

“If it was at all an act of courage, it was a misplaced act of courage…What was his agenda when he decided to put himself on the witness stand because we expected that when he agrees to testify, he will also be cross examined but that did not happen. He was given a leeway by the Senate. He made all those accusations and after that he left,” De Lima told reporters.

“So, what is his real intention? If he has that intention from the very start that he would not want to be cross examined, then, that is smack of bad faith on his part.”

Corona, on Tuesday had a prepared statement answering the allegations raised against him. However, after three hours, he excused himself and walked out of the Senate Session Hall.

He was taken to the clinic and was said to have been suffering from low blood sugar level. From the Senate, he was taken to The Medical City in Ortigas where his doctor said he should be monitored for 48 hours.

On Wednesday, the Senate gave the defense until Friday to complete its evidence including the appearance of the Chief Justice otherwise the case will be submitted for resolution.