SC budget officer testifies in Corona trial

MANILA, Philippines – Araceli Bayuga, budget and disbursement officer of the Supreme Court, returned to the witness stand on Wednesday for cross-examination by the prosecution team.

Bayuga first appeared and testified Tuesday before the Senate, sitting as an impeachment court, where she revealed that Chief Justice Renato Corona, respondent in the ongoing impeachment trial, received a total of P21,636,781.45 in salaries, allowances and other benefits from 2001 to 2011.

Bayuga was presented by the defense team for Article 2 of the impeachment complaint in connection with Corona’s alleged failure to disclose to the public his statement of assets, liabilities and net worth.

Seventeen senators, who sit as judges, were present when the trial resumed past 2:00 p.m.