CJ on trial!

         For the first time in the history of the Philippines, the chief justice of the higher court is set to undergo an impeachment trial due to alleged graft and corruption and other anomalies. He was said to be an underdog of the former president Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo and was known as one of the midnight appointees of the latter. The unidentified increase on assets and decisions favoring the ex-president was some of the reasons for this ongoing trial.

         Chief Justice Renato Corona formed his team to defend himself. The defense team is composed of former Justice Serafin Cuevas, Eduardo de los Angeles, Jack Jimenez, Ramon Esguerra, Jose Roy III, German Lichauco III, Tranquil Salvador III, Karen Jimeno and Dennis Manalo. Recently, they added three more lawyers namely, Joel Bodegon, Rico Paolo Quicho and Noel Lazaro.

         

        News spread so fast and issues are made between parties. It was said that this impeachment trial was caused by the Hacienda Luisita conflict which led to a unanimous decision (14-0) favoring to give back the land, Hacienda Luisita to the tenant - farmers protesting it. This matter was flatly denied by President Aquino.

         Some also say that this trial did not go on a due process. It was said that it happened in a blink of an eye, in favor of his impeachment trial. There is also an issue that some of the congressmen did not even know what is written on the petition. This matter was quickly denied by the congress.

        On this event, there are pro-corona and of course, the anti’s. We cannot control people’s thought on this subject, but then again we all have the right to choose corners. Then, there are these senator judges to mediate on this battle as well as to decide which party gets the belt. 

         The on-going process will eventually end. And we, as citizens need to have a say on this. For them to know that we exist and to remind them that it was us who put them where they are right now.