Senate gives CJ final verdict

Chief Justice Renato Corona is facing today the Senate's final verdict.

The impeachment court, handled by Senate President Juan Ponce Enrile, is holding a voting procedure today, to whether acquit or convict the chief justice.

Two-thirds of the chamber, about 16 votes is needed to remove Corona from his position.

If Corona will be convicted he will be issued a criminal charges by the Office of the Ombudsman.

A guilty judgment on some of the charges is sufficient for his removal from office and he can as well get a mere warning or suspension if found guilty.

Prosecution spokesman Aurora Rep. Juan Edgardo Angara said "the public is waiting with bated breath. We view it as a chance to move forward in the fight for good governance." He added that the conviction is the only logical conclusion to the four-month impeachment trial of CJ. "We don't see how the Senate impeachment court would acquit the Chief Justice. We don't see any reason why he should be acquitted."

Meanwhile, Marikina Rep. Romero Quimbo, also a prosecution spokesperson said that the Corona's Tuesday walkout was a game changer. They were always confident before he actually appeared that we had overwhelming evidence in their favor. But that incident really spelled the difference.

Quimbo said, "The Chief Justice admitted that he has $2.4 million and Php 80 million in the bank, which he did not declare in his statement of assets, liabilities and net worth. Defense lawyers have presented witnesses who testified that he made a gross income of about P26 million. Clearly, his assets cannot be supported by his income."

Court spokesperson Valentina Cruz said that the impeachment process was carried out in a very open, credible and transparent manner and they think the public will accept whatever the decision of the Senate will be.

The senators finished Corona's trail Monday after hearing the oral arguments of defense and prosecution team.

January 16, CJ Corona's impeachment trial started, counting 188 members of the House of Representatives for his ouster.

CJ was alleged to be shielding former President and now Pampanga Rep. Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo from prosecution, as well as for lack of integrity and gathering personal fortune beyond his salary, which he is not able to defend and explain as obligated by the Constitution. — ARA