Courts stop work to support Corona

MANILA, Philippines – Judges and court employees in select cities and provinces nationwide stopped transactions on Wednesday, Dec. 14, 2011, to protest the impeachment of Chief Justice Renato Corona.

In Basilan, Judge Danilo Bucoy, presiding judge of regional trial court 2, said there are no transactions in his court to “sympathize” with Corona, who is scheduled to speak before colleagues this afternoon in Manila.

Several court employees are in black. While some are in their offices, they have stopped work.

In Batangas, Judge Marjorie Uytengco-Nolasco said her court also took a leave today to express support for Corona. She confirmed to media that the “court hollday,” or strike, was approved the office of the Court Administrator. The office is headed by Supreme Court spokesperson Midas Marquez.

On Tuesday, Rappler disclosed a plan by the association of judges to declare a “court holiday” to protest Corona’s impeachment. Judges from Metro Manila are also expected to march to the Supreme Court building in Padre Faura, Manila, today to show their sympathy for Corona.

At least 188 lawmakers impeached Corona on Dec. 12, 2011, citing 8 grounds, including allegations he has illegally-acquired wealth. The Senate convenes today to turn itself into an impeachment court, a day before it goes on a Christmas break.

Trial will begin either in January or February 2012. – Rappler.com