Corona supporters, critics converge online

MANILA, Philippines – Supporters and critics alike of impeached Chief Justice Renato Corona are linking up on social media to promote their cause.

People both pro and against the imepachment of the Chief Justice have set up Facebook pages and groups to spread their cause.

Dozens of groups have been set up on the social networking site – a quick search of the term “Justice” and “Corona” yields at least 15 pages, profiles, and groups.

Two pro-Corona pages, the “Support for Chief Justice Renato Corona” and “I support Chief Justice Renato Corona” pages and “We Support Chief Justice Corona and The Rules of Law” (sic) group, have the most members.

The pages contain comments and messages of support for the Chief Justice, who will face an impeachment trial at the Senate starting Monday.

Many conversations among the members/fans are also critical of the pro-impeachment side, with some even posting memes mocking President Aquino, Corona’s main nemesis.

The pages are also used to rally supporters to show their support. For example, on the “Support for Chief Justice” page, supporters are called to join an online vigil on Friday, Jan. 13, 2012, in support of Corona.

On the other hand, there are more anti-Corona pages showing up on Facebook’s search results, but have less “Likes” or group members.

Discussions on Twitter is also high, with many supporters and critics of the Chief Justice engaging in conversations online.

The impeachment trial of the Chief Justice Renato Corona will start on Monday, Jan. 16, 2012, the first ever involving a chief justice of the Supreme Court of the Philippines. – Rappler.com