Palace employee testifies on Corona closeness to Arroyo

MANILA, Philippines – A Malacanang employee is the prosecution’s latest witness who will testify on the alleged closeness between Chief Justice Renato Corona and former President and now Pampanga Representative Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo at the resumption of the impeachment trial of the chief justice.

Elenita Gatbunton, presidential staff officer 6 of Malacanang records, appeared before the Senate, sitting as an impeachment court, to authenticate certain documents relating to Corona’s appointments in government during the time of Arroyo.

On private prosecutor Claro Mamaril’s direct examination, Gatbunton identified before the Senate the appointment papers of Corona as presidential adviser with the rank of Secretary on Jan. 22, 2001, as Associate Justice of the Supreme Court on April 9, 2002 and as Chief Justice on May 17, 2010.

The cameraman of ABS-CBN, Edmond Llosalla, was initially called to return to the witness stand for cross -examination by the defense but a member requested for deferment pending the arrival of the defense lead counsel, former Supreme Court Associate Justice Serafin Cuevas.

“As you would see your honor, hardly is the table for the defense filled. Most of our lawyers are stuck in traffic and I understand, our chief defense counsel is on his way. And so if it’s permissible, may we request for a second call,” said defense lawyer Joel Bodegon.

“How long do you think will take him to reach the court?” Senate President Juan Ponce-Enrile asked to which Bodegon answered, “Within an hour.”

Enrile then granted the request when the prosecution team posed no objection.

Senate Majority Leader Vicente Sotto III called for suspension of the hearing and when it resumed suggested to instead call Gatbunton while waiting for Cuevas.