Corona remains in hospital

MANILA, Philippines - Will Chief Justice Renato Corona appear before the Senate today to personally face its historic verdict on his impeachment trial?

The camp of the embattled Chief Justice had no definite answer to this as of early evening yesterday as he remained under close observation in a hospital.

“We have yet to talk about it,” Corona’s lawyer Toni Joy Verano said in a text message.

Verano said Corona remained in a regular patient’s room at The Medical City in Pasig City due to hypoglycemia or low blood sugar.

“He is still under observation. He has undergone two bypasses in the past so there’s a need for closer monitoring now,” she said.

Corona’s lawyers, however, believe that the magistrate need not be present when members of the impeachment court announce their verdict.

Jose Roy III believes it would not be a good idea for Corona to attend the proceedings due to his health condition.

“That’s up to him. I don’t know if he’s well enough but he should be all right. I don’t think it will be a good idea for him to come. He’s still recovering,” Roy said.

This was echoed by defense lawyer Ramon Esguerra, who said: “We cannot force him to be here because he’s still recuperating.”

Defense panel spokesman Tranquil Salvador III said he would have wanted Corona to witness the issuance of the court ruling.

“It would be better if he (Corona) will be here, if he can do it. During the start of the proceedings, he was here. But we have seen his condition. He was pale. He is under continuous medication. Let’s hope he improves,” Salvador said.

The prosecution also believes Corona’s presence is not necessary in today’s proceedings.

“It’s his decision whether he wants to appear or not, we cannot control his health condition. It really depends if he feels well or if he wants to be present when the decision is made,” said prosecution spokesman Quezon Rep. Erin Tañada III.

Tañada said a respondent’s presence during the issuance of a ruling is only needed in criminal proceedings.

“Since the impeachment is not criminal proceedings I don’t think attendance is necessary,” he said.

Tañada, however, believes Corona’s attendance could have provided him the chance to show that he is brave to face his verdict.

“If I will have my way I would have wanted him here, be man enough to accept whatever decision that will be handed. The only way that he can show that he is courageous is for him to attend,” he said. – With Alexis Romero