Senator-judges to get new robes

MANILA, Philippines - The 23 senator-judges will be wearing new robes next week when the Senate convenes into the impeachment court for the trial of Chief Justice Renato Corona.

Lawyer Valentina Cruz, designated impeachment spokesperson, yesterday said some senators were unhappy with the crimson robes they wore when they were sworn in as judges last month. The new robes are maroon.

It is the third time that the gowns worn by senator-judges are being changed since the Senate prepared for the trial of former Ombudsman Merceditas Gutierrez, who resigned even before the start of the trial.

Senate President Juan Ponce Enrile was less mindful of the new robes.                                

 “It has nothing to do with how we will dispose of the case,” said Enrile, who personally inspected the session hall which will be converted as the impeachment court for the Corona trial.

Cruz said the budget for the replacement of the robes was “not very much.”                

Senate Majority Leader Vicente Sotto III said he has taken a leave from daily noontime show “Eat Bulaga” in anticipation of the trial.      

He also said some senators recommended that the robes be worn every Monday while the impeachment proceedings are ongoing.