Like any normal citizen, I’ve been following developments in the Corona impeachment trial. Today was extra special because I actually exerted an effort to stay glued to the TV set to hear each senator (sitting as judge) deliver their explanation on why they chose to convict or acquit Chief Justice Renato Corona for violation of Article 2 (failure to fully disclose his assets in his SALN).
And so it went that Miriam went ballistic, Villar waxed sentimental about the accusations thrown against him before and Lito Lapid admitted not knowing much about the law while echoing the sentiments of the people he represents. Somebody said Sen. Alan Cayetano is proving to be better than his father and while most were eloquent (including, surprisingly, Sen. Jinggoy Estrada), the long speeches on public accountability bored me somewhat. Am sure the speechwriters had a field day. Certainly, there’s life after the impeachment and it’s time for our elected public servants to prove that they’re worthy of our trust. The Corona guilty verdict & impeachment is setting a great precedent, more than we know it. Public representatives should now treat the SALN as serious business.
Here’s how all of the senators voted in today’s Judgment Day, May 29, 2012:
For acquittal – Sen. Joker Arroyo
Sen. Miriam Santiago
Sen. Ferdinand Marcos Jr.
For conviction – Senators Edgardo Angara, Alan Peter Cayetano, Pia Cayetano, Franklin Drilon, Francis Escudero, Jose “Jinggoy” Estrada, TG Guingona, Gringo Honasan, Panfilo Lacson, Lito Lapid, Loren Legarda, Sergio Osmena III, Kiko Pangilinan, and Koko Pimentel, Ralph Recto, Bong Revilla, Vicente Sotto, Antonio Trillanes, and Senate President Juan Ponce Enrile.
Honestly, I am not happy with the results. I think most of the senators voted just to ensure their success in the coming elections as well as the success of their children. Miriam’s speech is my favorite.