Miriam finds CJ innocent
by Ira Pedrasa, ABS-CBNnews.com
Posted at 05/29/2012 3:40 PM | Updated as of 05/29/2012 6:55 PM
MANILA, Philippines - Sen. Miriam Defensor Santiago on Tuesday found Chief Justice Renato Corona innocent with respect to article 2 of the impeachment complaint, which accuses him of not disclosing his wealth in his Statements of Assets, Liabilities and Net worth (SALN).
Santiago said the omission of Corona's $2.4 million and P80 million deposits in his SALN was not an impeachable offense.
She said she found it reprehensible that the Anti-Money Laundering Council (AMLC) report was introduced as evidence in the trial. She also said she felt insulted by the use of anonymous sources in producing evidence in the trial.
"Three times is too much. Are you for real, prosecution? In the Philippines, anything can be manufactured," she said.
She also noted many public officials use loopholes in the SALN law but are not caught and impeached.
She added: "Daming loopholes ng SALN Law na yan, hindi kayo umimik."
She also said that if God would give her another life, she would investigate everyone in the House of Representatives and the Senate, including herself.
At one point in her lengthy explanation, she was interrupted by Senate President Juan Ponce Enrile who asked her to wrap up. "I thought I was unlimited," she retorted.
Santiago was the second senator to vote for Corona's acquittal. The first was Sen. Joker Arroyo.
Four senators - Edgardo Angara, siblings Alan Peter and Pia Cayetano, Francis Escudero - have so far voted for conviction.
Sixteen votes are needed to remove Corona from office; 8 votes are needed to prevent a conviction.
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