Friday, December 30, 2011

SC warned: Corona trial could be another 'Garci' | ABS-CBN News

SC warned: Corona trial could be another 'Garci' | ABS-CBN News

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The party-list congressman also rejected the move by Corona's lawyers to call for a preliminary investigation of the complaint before the trial could continue.

He said there was no need for a preliminary probe since the impeachment process is not a judicial proceeding.

"Malinaw sa Constitution at mga rules that the impeachment does not involve criminal sanction. The only sanction is removal from office. Questionable pa nga kung pati retirement benefits or pension pwede ma-forfeit eh...Of course it's the Senate's discretion but pampa-delay eh. In fact, para sa amin mas maganda matapos ito as soon as possible," he said.

Corona's lawyers earlier filed a motion for a preliminary hearing at the Senate. A preliminary hearing will allow the senator-judges to determine whether or not there is enough evidence to hold the trial.

House prosecutors have called the move a delaying tactic. They said if the Senate approves Corona's request, the impeachment trial will not be able to start immediately.

x x x."