CORONA ON TRIAL

Philippines chief justice faces impeachment trial

By Mynardo Macaraig | AFP News – 3 hours ago

Philippine supreme court employees demonstrate in support of Chief Justice Renato Corona outside the Surpeme Court in Manila. Corona's historic impeachment trial has begun, in one of President Benigno Aquino's boldest yet most divisive moves to tackle the nation's pervasive corruption.

A historic impeachment trial of the Philippines' top judge began Monday in one of President Benigno Aquino's boldest yet most divisive moves to tackle pervasive corruption.

Members of the 23-person Senate gathered as judges to determine whether Supreme Court Chief Justice Renato Corona should be removed from his post and become the highest-profile scalp yet in Aquino's anti-graft crusade.

"Renato Corona by his misdeeds is unfit to remain chief justice," lead prosecutor Niel Tupas said in his opening address to the hearing, which could last months and has seen Aquino accused of overstepping constitutional boundaries.

Corona is accused of violating the constitution in his efforts to protect graft-tainted former president Gloria Arroyo from prosecution, while also for allegedly amassing a personal fortune above the limits of his salary.

"The prosecution will show how chief justice Corona became the crowning glory of the cast of accomplices of the former president, and how he protected (her) interest in exchange for the position of prestige and power," Tupas said.

Aquino won a landslide election victory in 2010 on a platform to end corruption which has plagued the Philippines for decades and which he said worsened dramatically during the decade that Arroyo led the country before him.

Arroyo, 64, was arrested in November on charges of rigging the 2007 senatorial vote and is now awaiting trial in a military hospital where she is being treated for what she says is a rare spinal illness.

Aquino then marshalled his allies in Congress to impeach Corona, 63, last month, labelling him a "rogue magistrate" loyal to Arroyo.

Arroyo appointed Corona, her former chief of staff, to the Supreme Court bench in 2002, then to the top judicial post shortly before she stepped down as president.

Public opinion polls show Aquino enjoys overwhelming backing for his anti-graft efforts and the bachelor president is widely regarded as not being corrupt.

However his critics and even some supporters say Aquino has been employing questionable tactics in going after Corona and Arroyo. Some also say that he has dangerously weakened the independence of the judiciary.

Corona, who has repeatedly accused Aquino of trying to move the Philippines towards a dictatorship, made a defiant speech on Monday morning to hundreds of court employees who remain loyal to him.

"I have not wronged the president. I have not wronged the public. I have not stolen anything from anyone," he told the rally at the Supreme Court compound.

In an earlier television interview, Corona said "only death" could remove him from his post.

The Philippines has a turbulent recent history of dictatorship, revolutions and military coup attempts, and Corona's strong words reinforced concerns that the impeachment trial may raise political tensions to a dangerous level.

However, the military has so far stood behind Aquino, the son of democracy heroes who were pivotal in overthrowing 1980s dictator Ferdinand Marcos.

The constitution requires a two-thirds endorsement of the senators, or 16, for Corona to become the first Philippine chief justice ever to be sacked.

So far, only about eight have showed signs they will vote against Corona, and in a political culture where expediency often trumps values, no one in the Philippines can predict with certainty the final outcome.

The varied backgrounds of some of the senator-judges also reflect the colourful side of Philippine politics.

Among them are Marcos' son, the dictator's former defence minister now aged 87, two former failed coup plotters, an ex-police chief once accused of murder, three former action movie stars and a comedian.


Philippine President Benigno Aquino gives a press briefing at the presidential palace on January 8. The historic impeachment trial of the Philippines' top judge has begun in one of Aquino's boldest yet most divisive moves to tackle pervasive corruption.

Philippine Supreme Court chief justice Renato Corona meets his defence lawyers at the Philippine Senate in Manila. Corona's historic impeachment trial has begun, in one of President Benigno Aquino's boldest yet most divisive moves to tackle the nation's pervasive corruption.

Philippine senators led by Senate President Juan Ponce Enrile, standing at upper right corner, stands for an invocation at the start of the impeachment trial for Philippine Supreme Court Chief Justice Renato Corona in Manila, Philippines, Monday, Jan. 16, 2012. The impeachment trial of Corona began Monday after he was accused of corruption and trying to block the prosecution of former President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo.

(AP Photo/Bullit Marquez, Pool)

Former Associated Justice of the Philippine Supreme Court Serafin Cuevas stresses a point as he argues for the defense at the start of the impeachment trial for Philippine Supreme Court Chief Justice Renato Corona in Manila, Philippines, Monday, Jan. 16, 2012. The impeachment trial of Corona began Monday after he was accused of corruption and trying to block the prosecution of former President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo.

(AP Photo/Bullit Marquez, Pool)

Congressman Niel Tupas stresses a point as he argues for the prosecution at the start of the impeachment trial for Philippine Supreme Court Chief Justice Renato Corona in Manila, Philippines, Monday, Jan. 16, 2012. The impeachment trial of Corona began Monday after he was accused of corruption and trying to block the prosecution of former President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo.

(AP Photo/Bullit Marquez, Pool)

Beleaguered Philippine Supreme Court Chief Justice Renato Corona acknowledges the crowd of mostly lawyers shortly after addressing supporters at the flag-raising ceremony Monday Jan.16, 2012 at the Supreme Court in Manila. Corona is facing impeachment Monday before an impeachment court composed of Philippine senators, the first such impeachment of a chief justice in Philippine history.

(AP Photo/Bullit Marquez)

Beleaguered Philippine Supreme Court Chief Justice Renato Corona, right, takes his oath of allegiance to the Philippine flag during flag-raising ceremony Monday Jan.16, 2012 at the Supreme Court in Manila. Corona is facing impeachment before an impeachment court composed of Philippine senators, the first such impeachment of a chief justice in Philippine history.
(AP Photo/Bullit Marquez)

Philippine senators, led by Senate President Juan Ponce Enrile (top L), listen to oral arguments at the start of the impeachment trial for beleaguered Supreme Court Chief Justice Renato Corona in Manila January 16, 2012. The Philippine Senate began the impeachment of the country's top judge on Monday in a case that could last months and distract President Benigno Aquino from a promised focus on lifting the economy and rooting out corruption.

(REUTERS/Bullit Marquez/Pool (PHILIPPINES - Tags: CRIME LAW POLITICS)

Philippine senators listen as Senate President Juan Ponce Enrile (top C) delivers his remarks at the start of the impeachment trial for beleaguered Supreme Court Chief Justice Renato Corona in Manila January 16, 2012. The Philippine Senate began the impeachment of the country's top judge on Monday in a case that could last months and distract President Benigno Aquino from a promised focus on lifting the economy and rooting out corruption.
(REUTERS/Bullit Marquez/Pool (PHILIPPINES - Tags: CRIME LAW POLITICS)

President of the Philippine Senate Juan Ponce Enrile delivers his opening remarks at the start of the impeachment trial for beleaguered Supreme Court Chief Justice Renato Corona in Manila January 16, 2012. The Philippine Senate began the impeachment of the country's top judge on Monday in a case that could last months and distract President Benigno Aquino from a promised focus on lifting the economy and rooting out corruption.

(REUTERS/Bullit Marquez/Pool (PHILIPPINES - Tags: CRIME LAW POLITICS)

Beleaguered Philippine Supreme Court Chief Justice Renato Corona (front R) sits with his wife Cristina as they attend his impeachment trial at the Philippine Senate in Manila January 16, 2012. The Philippine Senate began the impeachment of the country's top judge on Monday in a case that could last months and distract President Benigno Aquino from a promised focus on lifting the economy and rooting out corruption.

(REUTERS/Bullit Marquez/Pool (PHILIPPINES - Tags: CRIME LAW POLITICS)

Beleaguered Philippine Supreme Court Chief Justice Renato Corona smiles following the adjournment of his impeachment trial at the Philippine Senate in Manila January 16, 2012. Also in picture is his wife Cristina (back). The Philippine Senate began the impeachment of the country's top judge on Monday in a case that could last months and distract President Benigno Aquino from a promised focus on lifting the economy and rooting out corruption.

(REUTERS/Bullit Marquez/Pool (PHILIPPINES - Tags: CRIME LAW POLITICS)

Beleaguered Philippine Supreme Court Chief Justice Renato Corona (C) talks to his defense lawyers following the adjournment of his impeachment trial at the Philippine Senate in Manila January 16, 2012. Also in picture is Supreme Court Spokesman Midas Marquez (L). The Philippine Senate began the impeachment of the country's top judge on Monday in a case that could last months and distract President Benigno Aquino from a promised focus on lifting the economy and rooting out corruption. (REUTERS/Bullit Marquez/Pool (PHILIPPINES - Tags: CRIME LAW POLITICS)

Beleaguered Philippine Supreme Court Chief Justice Renato Corona (C) talks to his defense lawyers following the adjournment of his impeachment trial at the Philippine Senate in Manila January 16, 2012. Also in picture is Supreme Court Spokesman Midas Marquez (L). The Philippine Senate began the impeachment of the country's top judge on Monday in a case that could last months and distract President Benigno Aquino from a promised focus on lifting the economy and rooting out corruption. (REUTERS/Bullit Marquez/Pool (PHILIPPINES - Tags: CRIME LAW POLITICS)

Beleaguered Philippine Supreme Court Chief Justice Renato Corona, center, and his wife Cristina, sing the national anthem during flag-raising ceremony Monday Jan.16, 2012 at the Supreme Court in Manila. Corona is facing impeachment trial Monday before an impeachment court composed of Philippine senators, the first such impeachment of a chief justice in Philippine history.
(AP Photo/Bullit Marquez)

Beleaguered Philippine Supreme Court Chief Justice Renato Corona talks to the media following flag-raising ceremony Monday Jan.16, 2012 at the Supreme Court in Manila. Corona is facing impeachment trial Monday before an impeachment court composed of Philippine senators, the first such impeachment of a chief justice in Philippine history.

(AP Photo/Bullit Marquez)

Philippine Supreme Court Chief Justice Renato Corona (C) talks to his lawyers before the start of his impeachment trial at the Senate in Manila January 16, 2012. The Philippine Senate begins the impeachment of the top judge on Monday in a case that could drag on for months and distract President Benigno Aquino from his promised focus on lifting the economy, creating jobs and rooting out corruption. Corona has vowed to fight to clear his name in a trial which has its roots in the bitter rivalry between Aquino and his predecessor, Gloria Macapagal Arroyo, who is under hospital arrest awaiting trial herself on charges of election fraud and corruption.

(REUTERS/Erik De Castro (PHILIPPINES - Tags: POLITICS CRIME LAW SOCIETY TPX IMAGES OF THE DAY)

Philippine Supreme Court Chief Justice Renato Corona (L) and his wife Cristina talk to his defence lawyers following the adjournment of his impeachment trial at the Senate in Manila January 16, 2012. The Philippine Senate begins the impeachment of the top judge on Monday in a case that could drag on for months and distract President Benigno Aquino from his promised focus on lifting the economy, creating jobs and rooting out corruption. Corona has vowed to fight to clear his name in a trial which has its roots in the bitter rivalry between Aquino and his predecessor, Gloria Macapagal Arroyo, who is under hospital arrest awaiting trial herself on charges of election fraud and corruption.
(REUTERS/Bullit Marquez/Pool (PHILIPPINES - Tags: POLITICS CRIME LAW SOCIETY)

Philippine Supreme Court Chief Justice Renato Corona (R) and his wife Cristina wait for the start of his impeachment trial at the Senate in Manila January 16, 2012. The Philippine Senate begins the impeachment of the top judge on Monday in a case that could drag on for months and distract President Benigno Aquino from his promised focus on lifting the economy, creating jobs and rooting out corruption. Corona has vowed to fight to clear his name in a trial which has its roots in the bitter rivalry between Aquino and his predecessor, Gloria Macapagal Arroyo, who is under hospital arrest awaiting trial herself on charges of election fraud and corruption.

(REUTERS/Erik De Castro - PHILIPPINES - Tags: POLITICS CRIME LAW SOCIETY)

Demonstrators hold placards as they march past anti-riot policemen outside the Philippine Senate during the impeachment trial of Supreme Court Chief Justice Renato Corona in Manila January 16, 2012. The Philippine Senate begins the impeachment of the top judge on Monday in a case that could drag on for months and distract President Benigno Aquino from his promised focus on lifting the economy, creating jobs and rooting out corruption. Corona has vowed to fight to clear his name in a trial which has its roots in the bitter rivalry between Aquino and his predecessor, Gloria Macapagal Arroyo, who is under hospital arrest awaiting trial herself on charges of election fraud and corruption.

(REUTERS/Erik De Castro - PHILIPPINES - Tags: POLITICS CRIME LAW SOCIETY)

Philippine Senate President Juan Ponce Enrile (top R) and other legal attendants stand at attention during the start of the impeachment trial of Supreme Court Chief Justice Renato Corona in Manila January 16, 2012. The Philippine Senate begins the impeachment of the top judge on Monday in a case that could drag on for months and distract President Benigno Aquino from his promised focus on lifting the economy, creating jobs and rooting out corruption. Corona has vowed to fight to clear his name in a trial which has its roots in the bitter rivalry between Aquino and his predecessor, Gloria Macapagal Arroyo, who is under hospital arrest awaiting trial herself on charges of election fraud and corruption.

(REUTERS/Erik De Castro - PHILIPPINES - Tags: POLITICS CRIME LAW SOCIETY)

Philippine Senate President Juan Ponce Enrile bangs a gavel during the start of the impeachment trial of Supreme Court Chief Justice Renato Corona in Manila January 16, 2012. The Philippine Senate begins the impeachment of the top judge on Monday in a case that could drag on for months and distract President Benigno Aquino from his promised focus on lifting the economy, creating jobs and rooting out corruption. Corona has vowed to fight to clear his name in a trial which has its roots in the bitter rivalry between Aquino and his predecessor, Gloria Macapagal Arroyo, who is under hospital arrest awaiting trial herself on charges of election fraud and corruption.

(REUTERS/Erik De Castro (PHILIPPINES - Tags: POLITICS CRIME LAW SOCIETY)

Demonstrators hold placards as they march past anti-riot policemen outside the Philippine Senate during the impeachment trial of Supreme Court Chief Justice Renato Corona in Manila January 16, 2012. The Philippine Senate begins the impeachment of the top judge on Monday in a case that could drag on for months and distract President Benigno Aquino from his promised focus on lifting the economy, creating jobs and rooting out corruption. Corona has vowed to fight to clear his name in a trial which has its roots in the bitter rivalry between Aquino and his predecessor, Gloria Macapagal Arroyo, who is under hospital arrest awaiting trial herself on charges of election fraud and corruption.

REUTERS/Erik De Castro (PHILIPPINES - Tags: POLITICS CRIME LAW SOCIETY)