Tupas, Colmenares deny rift in Corona prosecution team

MANILA, Philippines—Iloilo Representative Niel Tupas Jr. denied Friday there was a rift among members of the team of House members prosecuting Chief Justice Renato Corona in his impeachment trial following the abrupt termination of the  presentation of prosecution evidence.

“No such thing,” Tupas said. “The House panel decides based on what is best for the case of the prosecution considering all the circumstances. We terminated our presentation of evidence with the reservation on the dollar accounts of the respondent. That is our decision.”

Tupas said the decision to terminate the presentation of evidence was reached via a consensus among members.

Bayan Muna Representative Neri Colmenares, who was initially vocal about his objection to Tupas’ decision, also denied on Friday that there was rift between them.

Tupas’ decision to end the present evidence against Corona precluded testimony from Supreme Court Justice Lourdes Sereno who had been invited by Colmenares to testify on her dissenting opinion on a temporary restraining order issued by the Supreme Court that would have allowed former President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo to  leave the country last November.

Colmenares invited Sereno last Monday to appear at the impeachment trial on March 1. But Tupas told Senate President Juan Ponce Enrile that the prosecution was wrapping up its case, including Article VII of the complaint which accused Corona of influencing the high court to issue the TRO.

“The constituency of Bayan Muna are highly disappointed with Congressman Tupas by  shutting the door to the testimony of Justice Sereno when the latter has not even replied to my request letter for her invitation. It is a normal trial practice to make a reservation and it can also be used in this case,” Colmenares said Thursday.

In her subsequent reply  to Colmenares, Sereno said she would not appear at the trial because the prosecution had already rested its case.

“Even if that was the reply of Sereno, there was still a chance the notice to rest would only be filed today and it could be included among the reservations to article VII,” said Colmenares.

However, in a text message to the Inquirer on Friday, Colmenares denied there was a rift between him and Tupas although he admitted he initially felt bad about the decision.

“There is no rift between me and Congressman Niel Tupas,  I just felt bad about losing this opportunity. The prosecution panel must now prepare for the defense presentation of witnesses next week,” Colmenares said.