Wednesday, May 23, 2012

Philippine Senator Calls Chief Justice Funny

Senator–judge Franklin Drilon has considered as "funny" the challenge of Chief Justice Renato Corona for him to sign a blank waiver authorizing government entities to examine all his bank records as well as statement of assets, liabilities and net worth (SALN).

"I find it funny," was the short response of Drilon to Corona's challenge addressed also to the 188 congressmen who signed the impeachment complaints against the chief magistrate.

In his first appearance in his own impeachment trial, Corona signed a waiver authorizing the government agencies to examine all his dollar deposits and peso bank accounts to prove that he is not hiding anything illegal.

Corona, however, said he will only formally submit his waiver if the 188 complainants as well as Drilon will sign similar waiver.

After making his challenge, Corona suddenly walked out of the witness stand, forcing Senate President and presiding officer Juan Ponce Enrile to close all the doors of the Senate building to prevent the Chief Justice from leaving.

The defense panel later asked apology for Corona's departure, saying the chief magistrate suffered from hypoglycemia being a diabetic.

The defense asked the impeachment court to allow Corona to return on Wednesday, a request granted by visibly irritated Senate President.

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