Prosecution rests case

MANILA, Philippines – On the 25th day of the impeachment trial, the prosecution rested its case against Chief Justice Renato Corona.

“We do not wish to prolong the proceeding,” said Rep. Niel Tupas Jr. “It is our strong submission that we have already presented a strong case.”

The prosecution has presented 25 witnesses and has marked 397 documents, according to Tupas.

The panel tackled only 3 of the 8 articles of impeachment filed against Corona.

What the prosecution presented were Articles 2, 3 and 7. These pertained to allegations that Corona committed culpable violation of the Constitution and betrayed public trust by failing to disclose his Statement of Assets, Liabilities and Net Worth, committing graft and corruption, and using his powers as chief justice to make the High Tribunal issue decisions in favor of the Philippine Airlines and former President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo.

Presiding Officer and Senate President Juan Ponce Enrile asked the prosecution to formalize its withdrawal of the other articles.

Tupas said the defense panel may now begin its counter-arguments to what has been presented so far.

The case against Corona hinges largely on Article 2, in which the prosecution presented properties and bank accounts which he failed to declare in his SALN.

Last week, prosecution spokesperson Rep Romero “Miro” Quimbo already said they intended to wrap up their case this week.

But Corona, through his lawyers, has asked the impeachment court to disregard the bank records from the Philippine Savings Bank, saying the basis of the subpoena of those records is “spurious.”- Rappler.com