Whether conviction or acquittal, Senator-Judge Francis 'Chiz' Escudero is hoping that the verdict of the Senate, sitting as impeachment court of Chief Justice Renato Corona, would settle the issue with finality for the country to move forward.
Escudero said the ongoing impeachment trial of the chief magistrate has already affected the legislative works of both the Senate and the House of Representatives.
"One way or the other, it has to be settled with finality so that we can now focus on the economic problems that need to be addressed," Escudero said.
"Whatever happens in this impeachment trial, convict or acquit Corona, the jobless would remain jobless and the sick will remain sick. We have to move forward and face problems concerning food for the table," the senator from Bicol added.
Escudero expressed concerns that another impeachment complaint will be filed against Corona if he will be acquitted, saying "it will really affect our work in the Senate."
With this, Escudero urged Corona to answer frankly with truthfulness all the questions to be asked, especially by the senator-judges.
"He is the only one who can answer difficult questions. He should not be evasive," Escudero said.
Senator Franklin Drilon said the impeachment court cannot compel Corona to reveal all but reminded the chief magistrate of his promise through his defense lawyers that he will bare all and will confront all the issues.
"He is called to task but we will respect his right to remain silent," Drilon said.
Drilon is hoping that Corona would not invoke the temporary restraining order (TRO) issued by the Supreme Court on his supposed dollar accounts and the foreign currency deposit acts or Republic Act No. 6246.
For his part, Senator Gregorio Honasan II said the chief magistrate should explain the alleged 82 dollar accounts that Ombudsman Conchita Carpio-Morales exposed last week based on the documents provided by the Anti-Money Laundering Council (AMLC).
"He should explain the 82 dollar accounts as well as his SALN (statement of assets, liabilities and net worth). The public will judge if he will be telling the truth or not," Honasan said.
Senator Aquilino Pimentel III said Corona should corroborate his testimony with evidences even as he assured he will render his verdict based only on the evidence presented in the court.
"I will base my decision on evidence and not public opinion. I will review the articles of impeachment complaints," Pimentel said.
Senator Panfilo Lacson said he has prepared a lot of clarificatory questions, mostly on the dollar accounts and Basa-Guidote Enterprises issue.
"It was bomb-like revelation coming from the Office of the Ombudsman and AMLC that require his convincing explanation. He cannot afford to invoke right against self-incrimination," Lacson said.
Corona is set to take the witness stand at 2 p.m. on Tuesday, vowing to reveal all and explain the accusations that he committed betrayal of public trust and culpable violation of the Constitution as well as graft and corruption.
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