SENATOR-Judge Francis “Chiz” Escudero challenged the prosecution panel to lay down their basis in their request to issue subpoena to other justices of the Supreme Court.
Escudero said the prosecution team must show evidences that the justices’ testimonies have real effect on the impeachment so that the trial will not be a “fishing expedition.”
The House prosecutors earlier moved to subpoena 13 justices of the Supreme Court led by Senior Associate Justice Antonio Carpio who is said to be a mortal enemy of Chief Justice Renato Corona.
The other justices are Jose Perez, Diosdado Peralta, Lucas Bersamin, Jose Mendoza, Ma. Lourdes Sereno, Bienvenido Reyes, Roberto Abad, Martin Villarama, Estela Perlas-Bernabe, Mariano del Castillo, Presbiterio Velasco Jr. and Arturo Brion.
“Why is it that they are using the senators for gathering evidences?” asked Escudero.
The lawmaker feared that if they allow the prosecution to subpoena the justices, the defense might also do this in case of the members of the House of Representatives led by Speaker Sonny Belmonte.
Escudero agreed with Senator-Judge Joker Arroyo that this might break the separation of powers of the executive, legislative and judiciary.
Published : Thursday May 24, 2012 | Category : Top Stories | Views : 134
By : Jester Manalastas
AN arrest warrant against former Isabela Gov. Grace Padaca was issued yesterday after the Sandiganbayan 5th Division found probable cause in the graft and malversation cases filed against her. Associate Justice Ronald Jurado signed the warrant of arrest. Padaca was allowed to post bail of P40,000 for malversation and P30,000... Read more
Published : Thursday May 24, 2012 | Category : Top Stories | Views : 125
By : Marlon Purificacion
ARE you arresting me? Ito umano ang tanong ni Supreme Court Chief Justice Renato Corona nang harangin ni Senate Sergeant-At-Arms ret. Gen. Jose Balajadja matapos magtangkang mag-walk-out Martes ng hapon. Inilahad ni Balajadja sa Senate media ang naging karanasan nito matapos harangin ang tangkang ‘pagtakas’ ni Corona. “I wanted to show... Read more
Published : Thursday May 24, 2012 | Category : Top Stories | Views : 111
By : Hector Lawas
CHIEF Justice Renato Corona failed to appear in yesterday’s continuation of his impeachment trial after suffering a possible heart attack. Supreme Court spokesman and concurrent Court Administrator Jose Midas Marquez said Corona was rushed to The Medical City in Pasig City Tuesday night and was later wheeled into the intensive... Read more
Published : Thursday May 24, 2012 | Category : Top Stories | Views : 106
RETIRED Justice Serafin Cuevas, the lead counsel of impeached Chief Justice Renato Corona, dismissed speculations that the embattled Supreme Court head is preparing for a “mistrial” as he expressed confidence that his client will be acquitted of the charges against him. “Tingnan n’yo, hindi galing sa amin ‘yan,” Cuevas... Read more
Published : Thursday May 24, 2012 | Category : Top Stories | Views : 131
PATHETIC. This was how Sen.Franklin Drilon described the supposed “game-plan” of impeached Chief Justice Renato Corona allowing concerned agencies to scrutinize his dollar accounts on condition that those who had filed the impeachment case against him also sign a waiver on their dollar deposits. Corona stunned the Senate,... Read more
