[In the news] Don’t strip Corona of his rights: defense | ABS-CBN News

Posted on May 22, 2012 by Human Rights Online Philippines Leave a comment

Don’t strip Corona of his rights: defense | ABS-CBN News.

By Dharel Placido, ABS-CBNnews.com
May 22,2012

MANILA, Philippines – One of the lawyers of Supreme Court Chief Justice Renato Corona on Tuesday said his client must not be stopped from invoking his rights as he takes the witness stand in his own impeachment trial today.

Defense spokesperson Atty. Tranquil Salvador III said he is not yet sure how the chief justice will respond to the questions that will be thrown at him, but insisted no one has the right to strip him of his rights as guaranteed by the Constitution.

The prosecution panel has been daring Corona not to resort to technicalities, such as invoking his right against self-incrimination, in responding to allegations that he owns at least $10 million in “transactional balances” in 82 accounts.

The report of the alleged dollar accounts came from the Anti-Money Laundering Council (AMLC) and was revealed by Ombudsman Conchita Carpio-Morales before the impeachment court last week.

“Sa tingin ko po baka pwedeng hindi, pwedeng oo [na i-invoke niya ang kanyang karapatan]. Pero ito ang masasabi ko lang: si chief justice naman po, nagpakababa na pupunta sa impeachment court. He was humble enough to accept the challenge. Ang pakiusap na lang sana, kung ano pang merong ibinigay na karapatan sa kanya ang Saligang Batas, huwag na pong kunin pa,” Salvador told radio dzMM.

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