It’s now defense as Corona trial resumes

MANILA, Philippines — After a weeklong break, the impeachment trial of Chief Justice Renato Corona resumed on Monday with the defense expected to rebut the evidence presented by the prosecution.

Senate President Juan Ponce-Enrile, presiding officer in the trial, banged the gavel at around 2:00 p.m. to open the proceeding.

The senators, who sit as judges, first held a caucus before the resumption.

The Senate, sitting as an impeachment court, suspended the proceeding last February 29 to give the prosecution time to submit its final offer of evidence and for Corona’s lawyers to prepare for their defense.