Senate receives impeach case vs Corona

MANILA, Philippines – The Senate on Tuesday, Dec. 13, 2011,received the articles of impeachment against Chief Justice Renato Corona from Rep. Niel Tupas Jr., chair of the House committee on justice.

The Senate is expected to begin trial next year. On the other hand, the House will choose its panel of lawmakers and possibly even private sector lawyers, who will prosecute the Chief Justice.

On Monday, Dec. 12, 2011, at least 188 members of the House of Representatives voted to impeach Corona, making him the first chief justice to be impeached in history. Appointed by former President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo after the May 2010 electiions that President Aquino won, Corona has been fighting off allegations that he was a “midnight appointee” and a constant supporter of Mrs. Arroyo in the Court.

Congress goes on a Christmas break tomorrow, thus all the administrative tasks related to the incoming trial of the Chief Justice will be made in January already.

The impeachment complaint against Corona contains 8 grounds, which point to his alleged culpable violation of the Constitution, the commitment of graft and his betrayal of public trust. – Rappler.com