#CoronaTrial day 27 in pictures

MANILA, Philippines – It’s the defense’s first day to present evidence and expectations are high of the Chief Justice’s high-caliber lawyers. In a move that raise eyebrows among observers and senator-judges alike, the defense questions the validity of the impeachment complaint as well as the Senate’s jurisdiction over it. While senators and prosecutors point out that the defense is going over resolved issues, the Presiding Officer allows the defense to call its first witness, Navotas Representative Toby Tiangco, invoking the same spirit of liberality it supposedly exercised with the prosecution. Tiangco testifies the impeachment complaint was rushed and the Palace had attempted to put pressure on him.

The defense also asks the impeachment court to issue subpoenas to summon representatives from the Lower House, a request that the senators agree to resolve in a caucus. The prosecution opposes the request, noting they were denied a similar request to subpoena justices of the High Court.

Finally, defense laywer Judd Roy is held in contempt for implying that “the court could be paid” when he revealed in a press conference that there were attempts to bribe certain senator-judges P100-M each.  – Rappler.com