'Single' witness gets instant fans

MANILA, Philippines - For speaking fluent English and declaring twice that she was still single, a defense witness yesterday earned instant fans from those monitoring the impeachment proceedings on the Internet and television.

Carmina Cruz, client relations officer and representative of Alveo Land Corporation, Bonifacio Global City, also became a trending topic at social networking site Twitter shortly after she mentioned twice that she was single during the 32nd day of the impeachment trial of Chief Justice Renato Corona.

Cruz giggled when she mentioned that she was single when defense lawyer Jose Roy III asked her to state her personal circumstances before the court prior to her testimony.

The witness’ bubbly personality drew laughter inside the Senate press room as well as inside the session hall where the trial is being held.

“You just gave notice to the gentlemen public that you are single,” Roy told Cruz in open court, making the witness giggle some more.

When Cruz continued her testimony, she again mentioned that she was single as she gave details of her work at Alveo Land, formerly Community Innovations which remains a subsidiary of Ayala Corp.

Cruz testified on the issues surrounding the Bonifacio Ridge unit of Corona and his wife Cristina, which was not declared in his statement of assets, liabilities and net worth (SALN) prior to 2010 when it showed that the property was already subject of a contract to sell as early as January 2004.

In his Twitter account, @EsmeraldoC, based in Brooklyn, New York, said that “Carmina Cruz, Corona’s defense witness is single! not once, had to say it twice! hahaha :D she rocks! #cjontrial #cjtrial #SingleLadies.”

Before this, @EsmeraldoC tweeted: “A star is born:) Carmina Cruz of Alveo Land is going to get boys flocking all over her, anyone know if she’s single?”

“Am thoroughly entertained by Carmina Cruz :) only person who can actually speak English well so far in Corona’s trial,” said @EsmeraldoC in subsequent tweets.

Another Twitter account holder, @attyjong, said “Carmina Cruz rocks :) Best witness in the Corona trial by far!!! and yes, she is single! hahaha”

@Junrebs wrote: “So far, the only thing that lingers in my mind as far as Ms. Cruz’s testimony in #cjontrial was when she said she’s single!”

Somebody even coined the word, “JUDDMINA,” apparently suggesting a “love team” like what is usually done in show business.

Judd is Roy’s nickname, while Mina is from the name Carmina.

Meanwhile, Roy had a minor tiff with a private prosecutor when the latter explained the relevance of the testimonies of another witness.

“I’d like to thank counsel for his testimony,” Roy said, to the vehement objection of the prosecution lawyer.

Roy was quick to have his statement “withdrawn, your honor” even before Senate President Juan Ponce Enrile, presiding officer, immediately intervened and established order in the proceedings.

Cuevas missed

Defense lawyers yesterday said they miss their ship captain, former Justice Serafin Cuevas, in the impeachment trial.

In a press conference, lawyer Tranquil Salvador said they are hoping that Cuevas will return to work today.

“He is doing well, but is still resting right now. We want him to be back here,” Salvador said.

Salvador said without Cuevas, the defense panel has to work double time.

“It is different when we have him in the trial. It is different when he is in court with us because he is our leader,” Salvador said.

The defense lawyers said they were working double time because of Cuevas’ absence.

Cuevas, who had been absent for the second day yesterday, is suffering from vertigo.

Salvador said Cuevas was monitoring the impeachment trial from his home.

“There are many ways to communicate. It can be done through call or text messaging. We do not want to overburden him. We want him to get enough rest,” Salvador said.

The prosecution also wishes Cuevas well and admitted missing his presence, too.

“He (Cuevas) adds flavor and spice to the proceedings. He sharpens us since we have to be quick on our feet,” said prosecution spokesperson and Marikina Rep. Miro Quimbo.

Advice to fellow elderly

Enrile advised Cuevas to do some exercise and to take medicine.

The 88-year-old senator even offered to help the 83-year-old Cuevas cure his vertigo, which causes dizziness and headaches.

Enrile expressed hope that Cuevas will get well soon.

“Please tell him to take Serc (medicine) and to exercise,” the senator told acting lead defense lawyer Joel Bodegon when he said that Cuevas is still absent and is not feeling well.

“If he needs assistance I will help him. I had that problem once upon a time,” he added. – Christina Mendez, Jose Rodel Clapano, Alexis Romero