Impeachment trial turning out to be a blockbuster

MANILA, Philippines - Judging by the throngs that trooped to the Senate yesterday, the opening day of the impeachment trial of Chief Justice Renato Corona turned out to be a blockbuster.

But victory cannot be claimed by any party as of yet in round one of the impeachment trial after the Senate - convened as an impeachment body - rejected the motion for preliminary hearing of the defense, and yet considered another motion to call the attention of the House panel not to bring issues before the bar of public opinion.

A relatively tense atmosphere marked the first day of the much-awaited trial. Almost all of the defense lawyers came in their dark-colored suits while members of the House panel were in barong for men, and light colored Filipiniana for the two female prosecutors. Even the private lawyers, whose appearances were recorded in the impeachment court, were clad in white or cream colored barongs.

Office of Senate Sergeant-at-Arms (OSSAA) head retired Major General Jose Balajadia estimated that more than 1,000 people turned up to personally witness the trial of Corona.

“It’s like a fiesta celebration with important personalities like political bigwigs who are here now,” a member of the OSSAA said.

Those who came to witness history were media personnel given accreditation for coverage, some VIPs and ordinary people who apparently wanted to take a glimpse of the biggest political event this year.

The gallery of the session hall with a capacity of about 361 seats was filled with spectators from all walks of life.

There were former senators, some commentators, and law students.

Balajadia said as early as 8 a.m., visitors who wanted to watch the impeachment trial live began to arrive at the Senate building.

At around 11 a.m., members of the prosecution team arrived and after several minutes, they held a press conference.

By 12:30 p.m., politicians including Speaker Sonny Belmonte, former senators Richard Gordon, Ernesto Maceda and election lawyer Romulo Macalintal also arrived.

Black and White Movement organizer and former singer Leah Navarro also arrived along with scores of supporters. She said she was supporting the impeachment trial of Corona.

Senators Miriam Defensor-Santiago and Loren Legarda were absent in yesterday’s proceedings. – With Mayen Jaymalin, Ramil Bajo, Roel Pareño, Dino Balabo, Czeriza Valencia, Evelyn Macairan, Eva Visperas