MBC backs CJ's impeachment trial

MANILA, Philippines - The Makati Business Club (MBC) supported yesterday the impeachment trial of Chief Justice Renato Corona.

“MBC does not agree that the impeachment trial is an attack on the entire Supreme Court but is a process of making accountable an individual Supreme Court member who cannot be removed from office except by impeachment,” the MBC said in a statement.

“MBC therefore views the impeachment process as part of our democratic system of checks and balances and certainly not a step towards a constitutional crisis,” it added.

“MBC looks forward to the senator-judges putting only the best interests of the Filipino nation first when they make their decisions in the impeachment court while giving the Chief Justice every opportunity and means to defend himself so that the ensuing trial will receive as wide a support from the public as possible,” the group said.

The MBC said the judiciary should view the trial as an opportunity to make itself accountable to the people, identify its weaknesses, and learn from mistakes.

It said the judiciary should “take to heart their critical role in helping address one of the roots of decades of non-peace in the country – their role in delivering speedy justice for all.” – Ma. Elisa Osorio, Mike Frialde