ONE of the senator-judges yesterday expressed fear that the impeachment against Supreme Court Chief Justice Renato Corona might end up in a showdown between the Senate and the highest court of the land.

Senator-judge Joker Arroyo came to the rescue of Supreme Court Clerk of Court Enriquetta Vidal who was placed in a big dilemma between her compliance with the order of the impeachment court and the regulation of the highest court against the publication of the SALN of justices.

“I am disturbed by these developments. The witness asks for authorization from her office. We do not know how the Supreme Court will react… We will run the risk of having a showdown between the Senate impeachment court and Supreme Court,” Arroyo said.

Arroyo said they must give Vidal at least one day for her to inform her “bosses” about the issue.

“Give the lady a day to ask the Supreme Court for authorization rather than use the strong arm of the impeachment court,” he added.

For his part, Senate President Juan Ponce Enrile stressed that only the Senate as an impeachment court has the power to decide on the case and that they must not be impeded by any government agency to try and decide on this case.

Senator Alan Peter Cayetano, meanwhile, said the subpoena was filed with the Court of Clerk and not with the Supreme Court, insisting that it  is not a request but an order of the impeachment court.

Senator Kiko Pangilinan agreed with Cayetano, saying seeking authorization would undermine the power of impeachment court.

Senator Koko Pimentel stressed that it is within Vidal’s powers to bring these documents out.

At the end, Arroyo clarified that he is not contradicting the order but merely making a manifestation.                      Marlon Purificacion