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MANILA, Philippines – Sen Jose Jinggoy Estrada voted to convict Chief Justice Renato Corona, bringing the tally of senator-judges voting for conviction to 6 as of posting time.
Making references to the impeachment trial of his father, former President Joseph Estrada, he said, “This same process failed to achieve justice for my own father… the plan was to resolve the issue in the streets…It failed because the presiding pfficer proved to be a partisan.” Had impeachment rules been strictly implemented then in 2001,the outcome would have been different.
After 44 gruelling days spread over more than 4 months, Estrada said he joins the nation “in a fervent prayer that we can begin healing wounds inflicted by this trial.” He expressed hope that “we can unite again as a nation” and attend to many pressing problems that face the country.
Estrada said he is convinced Corona did not declare his assets truthfully in his SALN. He has US$2.4-M and P80-M — this, Estrada said, he “admitted in open court.” Were these 5 real properties and dollar acounts correctly and accurately declared? “Ang sagot ko po ay hindi.”
He said he regrets to say he was not convinced by the defense’s argument that non-inclusion was made in good faith.” The chief justice is a learned man of law. He is the chief justice of the Supreme Court.” The framers of the foreign currenct deposit act did not intend public officials to conceal or stash away their wealth.
“I make this painful decision with a heavy heart. Wala akong pag-aalinlangan ngayon na ang nasasakdal ay nagkasala..he is guilty,” Estrada said.
In the past
Estrada told the Inquirer previously that Corona “virtually hanged himself with that walkout.” He said, “It’s practically suicide. Or he’s killing himself slowly….It made life easier for the senator-judges.”
Estrada’s statement that the defense should respond to the allegation that Corona has US$10 million triggered its announcement that Corona will testify after the testimony of Ombudsman Conchita Carpio-Morales.
Estrada is reportedly eyeing the vice presidency in 2016. He is the president of the Pwersa ng Masang Pilipino, which is part of UNA. He belongs to the Enrile bloc in the Senate.
Estrada’s father, former President Joseph Estrada, was the first president to be impeached in Philippine history. His trial, though, was aborted due to a prosecution walkout that sparked EDSA Dos. – Rappler.com
Click on the links below for more Rappler stories on the senator-judges’ verdict.
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