MANILA, Philippines – Looking teary-eyed, Supreme Court (SC) Chief Justice Renato Corona surprised his supporters when he appeared during a pro-Corona rally on Thursday, February 9, in connection with the SC’s special en banc session on his impeachment trial.

Corona appeared with his wife, Cristina, and other SC staff members for less than 10 minutes in the middle of a support rally held inside and outside the SC. The Chief Justice appeared to be wiping tears at some point, prompting supporters to chant: “Walang iiyak, walang iiyak!” (No crying, no crying!)

A stage is set outside the SC building, and it is unclear if Corona will address his supporters later during the day. In an interview with reporters, Supreme Court Employees’ Association president Jojo Guerrero said the stage is for SC employees who want to express their opinions on the issue.

“Kasi kaming nasa judiciary, alam namin ang procedures. Kung ano ang nava-violate sa rule of law, alam namin. ‘Yun lang ang gusto naming sabihin ngayong hapon,” Guerrero said. (We, who are in the judiciary, know the procedures. We know when the rule of law is being violated. That is what we want to say this afternoon.)

The SC is holding a special en banc session to discuss the motion by Corona’s defense counsels to stop the ongoing impeachment trial, among other things. – Rappler.com