3 sub-allegations in Corona impeach article dropped

Wednesday, February 22, 2012

MANILA (Updated 4:11 p.m.) -- The prosecution panel dropped Wednesday three sub-allegations in the Article 3 of its impeachment complaint against Chief Justice Renato Corona.

Article 3 focuses on four main points: 1) Corona allowing the Supreme Court to act on mere letters that led to the "flip-flopping" of decisions; 2) the respondent's "excessive entanglement" with Arroyo through the appointment of his wife; 3) Chief Justice dipped his hands in public funds; and 4) talking with litigants specifically Lauro Vizconde.

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Isabela Representative Giorgidi Aggabao said they will no longer present evidence in three points of Article 3 and will instead pursue the issue on flip-flopping of decisions.

The prosecution's decision came after presiding officer Juan Ponce Enrile disallowed the testimony of a representative from the Philippine Airlines (PAL) who was summoned to bring records of PAL platinum cards granted to the Chief Justice and his wife.

The prosecution instead made a manifestation on tender of excluded evidence stating documents that the PAL representative would have presented to the impeachment court. (Kathrina Alvarez/Sunnex)