‘Walkout premeditated to avoid cross-examination’

MANILA, Philippines – Prosecutors on Tuesday, May 22, said the walkout by Chief Justice Renato Corona was premeditated meant to avoid cross-examination.

In a statement, prosecutor Rep Erin Tañada said in Filipino that it was obvious that Corona planned his walkout because he did not want to be asked any further questions after his testimony. “Halatang talagang pinag-isipan ng ating punong mahistrado kung ano ang gagawin at talagang siniguro po niya na hindi po siya tatanungin ng kahit sinuman kahit ng mga senator-judge at ng maski panig po ng prosecution,” Tañada said.

“What the Chief Justice did was a blatant insult and disrespect to the impeachment court,” prosecution spokesman and Aurora Rep Sonny Angara said. He said the situation was an “all-time low for the Chief Justice.”

“We did not think he would be this low,” Angara said.

Sen Frankin Drilon shared the same view, adding Corona’s walkout indicated that he “has no intention to be cross-examined by the impeachment court.”

Pathetic!

Drilon, a known Corona critic, dismissed the Chief Justice’s challenge for him to sign a waiver opening his bank accounts, saying it’s “all part of his game plan.”

“I will not fall into his trap. I will not go down to his level. He is pathetic!”

The Chief Justice gave a long opening statement that stretched for two hours and interrupted at least four times by Presiding Officer Sen Juan Ponce Enrile. Private prosecutor Mario Bautista also tried at least twice to stop his statement, saying it was irrelevant and based on hearsay.

Enrile ordered Corona to return to court Wednesday, May 23. Otherwise, he said, his testimony would be stricken off the Senate’s records and the impeachment court will hand down its verdict on him. – Rappler.com