THE pro-impeachment lawmakers or the Movement 188 has rejected any “extra-constitutional means” to oust impeached Supreme Court Chief Justice Renato Corona, saying they will respect the ruling of the Senate impeachment court.

Eastern Samar Rep. Ben Evardone, one of the leaders of the group, underscored the importance of respecting the country’s democracy despite the alleged “squid tactics” by Corona’s defense lawyers “to muddle up” the impeachment proceedings.

“There is no such thing as plan B.  There is no plan to mount people power to oust Chief Justice Corona.  We will respect the constitutional process on impeachment,” said Evardone.

Evardone also said the Movement 188 is not aware and not in favor of ousting the Chief Magistrate through extra-constitutional means.

Ako Bicol party-list Rep. Rodel Batocabe, a lawyer and member of the group, stressed that supporting the illegal removal of Corona “will undermine the very existence of the House of Representatives.”

“Of course, they are free to go to the streets.  That’s their right. But, personally I won’t (be involved in it),” said Batocabe.

Unmask bank account

The House prosecution panel vowed to unmask all bank accounts of Corona to determine if these tally with his declared Statement of Assets, Liabilities and Net worth (SALN).

In a press briefing, Marikina City Rep. Miro Quimbo, Aurora Rep. Juan Edgardo “Sonny” Angara and Deputy Speaker and Quezon Rep. Lorenzo “Erin” Tañada, spokespersons for the prosecution panel, said they requested the Senate Impeachment court to subpoena additional bank accounts of Corona.

Defense counsels accused

The prosecution panel has accused the defense counsels of Corona of running out of excuses to extricate him from the alleged blatant lies he declared in his SALN.

The prosecution team made this observation after Nerissa Josef, assistant vice president of Ayala Land. Inc., testified on the ownership of a condominium unit by Corona which was not declared properly in his SALN.

Motive questioned

The defense also questioned the motive of Tañada in saying that the highest official of the Supreme Court might be preparing to do an “I am sorry” speech.

Defense Spokesman Atty. Mon Esguerra said by introducing the ‘I am sorry’ is like throwing the GMA card into the arena.    With a report from Marlon Purificacion