Renato Corona is a good friend, says Justice Abad

Associate Justice Roberto Abad.
Photo from https://sc.judiciary.gov.ph

MANILA, Philippines—Supreme Court Associate Justice Roberto Abad said he felt sad when Chief Justice Renato Corona was impeached, saying Corona is a good friend.

Abad made the remark after Iloilo Representative Niel Tupas Jr., ex-officio Judicial and Bar Council member, questioned him about attending the mass held at the Supreme Court at the height of the impeachment trial.

“[I attend the mass] as a personal support. I am loyal to my friend,” Abad said saying Corona has been with him especially when he was trying to learn the ropes when he was new to the Supreme Court.

“I am not one person who will discard a friend when he is in trouble,” he added.

Tupas expressed apprehension that his loyalty to Corona could affect his performance at the Supreme Court but Abad pointed “I am loyal to a friend but I am not going to betray the institution.”