Corona arrives at the Senate

 MANILA, Philippines - Chief Justice Renato Corona is expected to explain why he walked out of the Senate impeachment court immediately after his three-hour opening statement at the witness stand last Tuesday, a defense panel spokesperson said.

In a television interview, lawyer Karen Jimeno said the defense panel knows the importance of Corona's appearance at the Senate and to answer all allegations against him.

Jimeno also said they expect the Chief Justice to apologize to the Senate impeachment court which viewed his walkout as a disrespect to the legislative body.

She added that the defense lawyers were also surprised when the Corona suddenly walked out of the Senate court without permission from Presiding Senator-Judge Juan Ponce Enrile.

Corona has arrived this afternoon from the Medical City in Pasig at the Senate building in Pasay City on board an ambulance. He was accompanied by medical personnel and Supreme Court security personnel.

Corona was met by his wife Cristina when he alighted the ambulance. However, instead of being wheeled up to the second floor where the holding area for witnesses is located, the Chief Justice, wearing a white barong tagalog, walked to the elevator while leaning on his wife.