Cities league prexy may testify vs Corona

Tuesday, January 17, 2012

CITY OF SAN FERNANDO -- League of Cities of the Philippines (LCP) president and this city's Mayor Oscar Rodriguez said Monday that he will testify -- if need be -- against Chief Justice Renato Corona in the on-going impeachment trial at the Senate.

In an exclusive interview with Sun.Star Pampanga at Heroes Hall, Rodriguez noted that the Supreme Court’s flip-flopping decision on the cityhood of 16 cities, which the LCP blocked is one of the charges hurled versus the embattled chief magistrate.

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“Legally, I represent the LCP. If summoned, I would have to testify against the Chief Justice in behalf of the league. Or I may designate one of our officers to do so,” said Rodriguez.

Rodriguez also clarified that the impeachment process or “fighting” the High Tribunal will lead to civil war, as contained in text messages being passed around.

“In my personal opinion, impeachment is a process of cleansing the Supreme Court of misfits. Impeachment actually is a form of upholding democracy contrary to the text message na ito daw ay mamamatay kapag na-impeach ang Chief Justice and may lead to civil war,” he added.

Rodriguez also defended the position of President Benigno Aquino III on the issue.

“Mawawalang saysay lamang ang tuwid na daan which is the advocacy of the President. Kung panay balandra lamang iyan at walang mananagot sa mga perceived na pagkakamali ay walang kapupuntahan ang tuwid na daan na ating tinatahak. Kailangan talagang ayusin na ang dapat ayusin,” Rodriguez said.