Corona supporters gather near Senate

MANILA, Philippines—Supporters of embattled Chief Justice Renato Corona arrived at the Senate in Pasay City Tuesday afternoon to show support for the chief magistrate who is set to take the witness stand at his impeachment trial Tuesday.

A supporter wears a shirt with the slogan ‘Acquit CJ Corona.’ NIÑO JESUS ORBETA/INQUIRER

Around 50 members of the Judiciary Employees Association (Judea) carrying small red flag with the message Acquit CJ Corona” arrived at around 12 noon and peacefully fell in line near the Senate building.

Judea member Rico Peña, however, said that around 800 more members will arrive later this day to support Corona who will testify and defend himself for the first time at the trial.

Judea said that President Benigno Aquino III is only using the impeachment to conceal the unsolved problems of the country.

“Walang seryosong plano at aksyon para pigilan ang tuluy-tuloy na pagtaas ng presyo ng langis at bilihin, walang panukala sa dagdag na sahod at umento sa manggagawa at kawani, walang plano magpatupad ng reporma sa lupa,” the group said, among others.

Peña said that they will not attempt to go beyond the police barricade.

“Ayaw din naman namin ng sakitan,” he said.