Verdict on Corona immediately executory, says Representative Tañada

Prosecution spokesman and Quezon 4th District Representative Lorenzo “Erin” Tañada says his team leaves it to the Senate to decide on Chief Justice Corona’s trial. INQUIRER.net FILE PHOTO

MANILA, Philippines—The verdict on Supreme Court Chief Justice Renato Corona Tuesday would be “immediately executory,” a prosecution spokesman said.

Prosecution panel spokesman, Quezon Representative Lorenzo Tañada said that regular court decisions normally have 15 days before taking effect so that it could be appealed.

Tañada however said that “because the decision of this impeachment court cannot be appealed, it would be immediately executory.”

The Senate, sitting as an impeachment court, is set to issue its verdict on the impeachment case of Corona for alleged culpable violation of the constitution because he failed to disclose his peso and dollar bank deposits in his statements of assets, liabilities and net worth.

Tañada said that Senate President Juan Ponce Enrile will decide whether the resolution of conviction or acquittal would be delivered to Corona personally or it could be given to his defense counsel.

A vote of 16 senators is required to convict Corona while it would need eight votes to acquit him.

Tañada also said the senators’ decision to convict Corona will definitely result in removal from office and they would not decide on other penalties such as admonition or reprimand.

Prosecution spokesman Marikina representative Romero Quimbo said that “there are only two choices, to remove him from office or let him stay.”

“I don’t think there is any middle ground here because the main [intent] is to remove the Chief Justice,” Quimbo said.

“If we do not remove him and he is only given a punishment … it would be [akin to] a vote for acquittal,” he said.