Enrile: We’ll go on despite SC order to Senate to answer bid to stop Corona trial

MANILA, Philippines–The Senate will push through with the impeachment trial of Chief Justice Renato Corona even if it plans to answer a bid in the high tribunal to stop the proceeding.

“We have not abandoned the Constitution. In the same manner that if we ask the explanation of the Supreme Court, they have also to explain to us in the same manner we will have to comply with their requests that we explain our position,” Senate President Juan Ponce-Enrile told reporters Thursday in relation to the Supreme Court’s order for the Senate to answer the petition.

Enrile stressed that no one can interfere with the Senate acting as an impeachment court from doing its job and all questions against it could only be raised after it has completed the trial.

“Meaning, no one can interfere with us as long as we apply the bill of rights and the principle of due process…” he said.

“Now, if we really become arbitrary or tyrannical or oppressive in our decision, then maybe that will become an issue later on after we have done our work. But while we are doing the work, in our opinion, no one can interfere with us,’ he stressed.

And while the Senate would reply to the petition filed against the impeachment case of Corona, Enrile would not say if the chamber will comply should the high tribunal decide to stop the trial.

“Depende kung ano ang desisyon nila (it depends on what their decision would be),” said the Senate leader.