Sweets, catnap for CJ

MANILA, Philippines - Chief Justice Renato Corona took a nap, ate some sweets and occasionally sipped from a can of soft drink when he returned yesterday to the witness stand to testify before the Senate impeachment court.

He also apologized to the court for his abrupt departure from the session hall last Tuesday, saying he never intended to behave disrespectfully.

Corona was on board the hospital’s ambulance when his six-vehicle convoy left The Medical City at 12:50 p.m. They arrived at the Senate at around 1:15 p.m.

He was accompanied by a nurse and members of his medical team, his wife Cristina, children Carla and Francis and Supreme Court spokesman Midas Marquez.

A motorcycle rider from the Highway Patrol Group (HPG) led the convoy in making a counter-flow along Meralco Ave., taking the C-5 road to Makati City and eventually arriving at the Senate building in Pasay City.

He was seen with a bandage over his left hand where an IV tube was inserted during his confinement at the hospital’s intensive care unit.

Corona decided to attend the Senate hearing against the advice of his doctors.

He signed a waiver absolving The Medical City and his doctors of any liability in case something happens to him while attending the impeachment trial, where he is the last witness.

The Senate medical services prepared a wheelchair for the Chief Justice but he refused to be brought in on it.

Cristina helped her husband, who held on to her right shoulder.

A diabetic, Corona took a sip of canned orange soda from time to time to prevent the risk of hypoglycemia or low blood sugar level.

He also ate some sweets. His daughter Carla brought him some chocolates placed in a bag but he refused.

On Tuesday, Corona walked out of the Senate session hall, after declaring “Now, the Chief Justice of the Republic of the Philippines wishes to be excused,” without the court’s permission after delivering his three-hour opening statement.

He blamed his diabetic condition for his “disorientation” after his testimony.

His son Francis also stood beside his father during the break.

Corona also took a quick nap while waiting for senator-judges to finish their caucus but Carla and his son-in-law woke him up.

Senate President Juan Ponce Enrile suspended the session and called for a short meeting after the Chief Justice submitted his “unconditional” waiver to open all his bank accounts.

Corona’s doctors earlier said he could attend the Senate impeachment court on Friday if he wishes to, but warned him of the possible health risk. Corona asked the permission of the court to be excused at around 5:10 p.m., claiming he was already tired after fielding questions from Senators Alan Peter Cayetano, Francis Pangilinan, Jinggoy Estrada, Frank Drilon and Francis Escudero.

He was brought to the Senate clinic before being whisked back to The Medical City where further tests would be administered by his doctors. – Non Alquitran