For covering ears during Miriam ‘lecture,’ prosecutor cited for contempt

MANILA, Philippines—The Senate, sitting as an impeachment court, unanimously cited Wednesday a private prosecutor for contempt during the impeachment trial of Chief Justice Renato Corona after he allegedly displayed “disrespect” for a member of the chamber.

“The gentleman, who is a private member (of the prosecution team) is hereby cited for contempt,” Senate President Juan Ponce-Enrile, presiding officer in the impeachment trial, said of private prosecutor Vialiano Aguirre.

The penalty that will be imposed on Aguirre, he said, will still be decided by senators in a caucus next week.

Enrile made the ruling when Senator Miriam Defensor-Santiago moved to cite Aguirre for contempt after learning that the latter was caught on video covering his ears while she was lecturing the prosecutors.

Senator Pia Cayetano seconded Santiago’s motion, prompting Enrile to make the ruling.

“There’s a motion to cite a member of the prosecution panel for contempt and that motion is duly seconded and it can’t be set aside,” Enrile said,

“Indeed, the person concerned was given a chance to explain what he did and why he did it and he openly admitted in court that he did it purposely because he felt offended and therefore it’s a sign of disrespect to a member in this court. And it can’t be allowed to pass and must be dealt with according to the rules,” said the Senate leader.

No member of the impeachment court objected to the motion when Enrile put it into a vote.