EDITORIAL - The way the cookie crumbles

There is a clamor for Chief Justice Renato Corona to testify in person in connection with the impeachment case he faces at the Senate. Recent surveys show most people have lost interest in the case, so that gives us an idea of where the clamor must be coming from.

One of those who asked that Corona testify was Jinggoy Estrada, one of the senator-judges trying the case. According to Estrada, it would be to the best interest of truth if Corona takes the witness stand.

It is interesting for Estrada to invoke the truth in trying to press Corona to testify because he himself has been one of those who went public to say that the impeachment case is a political process, not exactly a judicial one.

Estrada, of course, is correct. After all the testimonies and evidences have been presented, the senator-judges will still have to vote in accordance with what they say is their “conscience” and what they say is good for the nation.

That, of course, is just a nice way of saying they will be deciding according to what is politically expedient for them. That is precisely how the cookie crumbles. And that is why Corona is not likely to give in to the clamor.

Either way it goes, Corona is already “damaged goods.” Even if he is acquitted, it does not seem likely that he can command the same respect he may have commanded before. Besides, it is just as unlikely that he will not face more charges from those who want him out.

Indeed, the better thing for Corona to do, instead of testifying and opening himself up to all sorts of attacks disguised as part of the “search for truth” is for Corona to resign. But he is not likely to do that either.

From the looks of it, Corona has decided to go down fighting. Go down because there is no way he can stay on his feet in such a hostile environment. Not to give up the fight is what it appears he has decided. This assures that Philippine politics will continue to be interesting.