IBP reminded public to keep an open mind on Corona testimony

MANILA, Philippines—Listen to what Chief Justice Renato Corona has to say before making a judgment, a lawyer from the Integrated Bar of the Philippines’ Impeachment Watch said Friday.

“We have to listen on both sides. It will not be called fair play if we will listen [to the Chief Justice’s testimony] but we will keep a close mind,” lawyer Trixie Angeles of the Impeachment Watch said in an interview.

“We have to judge based on reason. If his explanation is reasonable and within the realm of probability then, it is our obligation to give him the benefit of the doubt. But if what he will say is not within that realm of probability, at least we have already given him the opportunity to explain his side, then it is only reasonable to convict him,” she said.

Corona will testify on Tuesday on day 40 of his impeachment trial. He is expected to answer all allegations levelled against him especially the one raised by Ombudsman Conchita Carpio-Morales that he allegedly owned 82 dollar accounts worth over $10million.