SENATOR Francis Escudero yesterday told the House prosecution he was confused as to how he would vote in the trial of Chief Justice Renato Corona and asked for clarification on Article 2 of the impeachment complaint which deals with the latter’s alleged failure to file his statement of assets, liabilities, and net worth (SALN).

Escudero noted “separate” accusations embodied in Article 2 of the verified impeachment complaint that the House prosecution panel filed against Corona alleged that the latter “committed culpable violation of the Constitution and/or betrayal of public trust when he failed to disclose to the public his statement of assets, liabilities, and net worth (SALN) as required under Section 17, Article XI of the 1987 Constitution.”

He said Article 2 is “buttressed” by three other supposed wrongdoings Corona had committed such as: he failed to disclose to the public his SALN as required by Constitution; that some of his properties are not included in his declaration of SALN in violation of the anti-graft and corrupt practices act; and he is also suspected and accused of having accumulated ill-gotten wealth, acquiring assets of high values and keeping bank accounts with huge deposits.

Under Article 2 of the impeachment complaint, the prosecution also alleged that “it has been reported that respondent has, among others, a 300-square meter apartment in a posh Mega World Property development at The Fort in Taguig.”

Escudero said he was at a loss as to how he would vote under Article 2. “Nalilito ako sa Article 2. It states that the Chief Justice failed to disclose to the public his SALN pero sa loob maliban sa ‘di dineklara hindi sinama ang properties niya and he amassed ill-gotten wealth. These are three separate charges,” he said. “Boboto ba ako sa isang charge lang?”

“Can you guide us on how we will approach voting in your memorandum?” he asked the prosecution panel.

This prompted Senate President Juan Ponce Enrile, who serves as the presiding officer, to instruct both the defense and prosecution panels to submit their respective memoranda to clarify Article 2.

“The Chair would like to formally order the prosecution and the defense to define in their memorandum or memoranda regarding the allegation and the sub-allegations of Article 2 stating the respective position of two sides in consideration of the Chamber,” Enrile said.