Conviction gets mixed reactions

THE Senate impeachment court has convicted Supreme Court Chief Justice Renato Corona, with 20 senator-judges voting for his conviction and only three voting for his acquittal.

Such historic judgment taken by the senator-judges drew mixed reactions from the public and legal luminaries.

Lawyer Andy Hagad, convenor of Negrenses for Corona’s Removal, said the conviction of Corona has given teeth to the statement of assets, liabilities and net worth (SALN) as a means to check the corrupt in government.

“It is no longer just a piece of paper that they play around with and pay little attention to. The SALN has become our sword against the corrupt. Mabuhay ang Pilipino,” he said.

Lawyer Arnel Lapore, president of Central Negros Electric Cooperative, said it was an overwhelming vote of conviction. But lessons must be learned in the process.

“I was just wondering how the story would have been written had CJ Corona not accepted the appointment of former President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo,” he said.

Former Bacolod vice mayor lawyer Renecito Novero said he commiserated with Corona on his sad fate. But that is as it should be.

“Interpreting the law according to his fashion will indiscriminately provide sanctuary to crooks and thieves in government. The Senate’s overwhelming decision is a clarion triumph of truth and rectitude. ‘Daang matuwid.’ The Filipino people are ultimately the victor,” stressed Novero.

Bacolod Councilor Caesar Distrito said, “The Senate is the final arbiter in cases of impeachment against our impeachable officials, as provided for under our Constitution. As they had made judgment convicting CJ Corona, everyone whether you agree or disagree, should respect such verdict. Such political exercise will strengthen our democracy and political maturity.”

“Although I was saddened that government had rampantly abused our laws in securing evidence violative of our laws, the same should not be done and be repeated and those who committed the same should also be punished. All government officials should also learn from this trial, that everyone should be transparent and declare their assets or else, they suffer the consequence of dismissal,” he added.

Metro Bacolod Chamber of Commerce and Industry president Frank Carbon said, “Maybe just a lot of us will now understand the meaning of ‘matuwid na daan’ and hopefully the healing of our country begins and real change commence.”

“The conviction of CJ Corona is out and we must respect the decision of the impeachment court. We might disagree with the position of some senator-judges but the legal process must be respected. I just hope that lessons have been learned from this political-legal exercise,” Councilor Em Ang said.

“Now this case is behind us, our senators must quickly go back to serious work, as there are a lot of significant bills that have been languishing in the Senate because of the impeachment trial,” Ang added.

Alex Ozoa of the Negrense 4 Noy Movement (N4NM) congratulated the senator-judges and the 188 congressmen, especially to Representative Rudy Farinas.

"A big nail was removed from the ‘matuwid na daan’ of President Pnoy (Benigno Aquino III),” said Ochoa.