“The whole idea of the impeachment, the goal of impeachment is removal, and in the same manner that we welcomed the resignation of the former Ombudsman (Merceditas) Gutierrez… since the goal of the impeachment is removal, and if he (Corona) should decide to voluntarily resign on his own, certainly that is something that we will welcome,” presidential spokesman Edwin Lacierda said.
Gutierrez quit her post after the House of Representatives impeached her for betrayal of public trust for failing to act on charges filed against controversial cases linked to the Arroyo administration.
“We cannot define what will happen in the future but we are, insofar as the House impeachment team is concerned, they are prepared to prosecute the case against the Chief Justice. As to what the reaction will be of the Chief Justice, we leave it to him although he has mentioned that he will fight to the end,” Lacierda said.
Lacierda added it would be up to the senators to deal with the Articles of Impeachment against Corona and Malacañang would speak about the issue “when necessary.”
“They have their own assessment of the impeachment complaint and the impeachment proceedings… So the Chief Justice has spoken, the President has spoken so let’s wait until further instructions from the Senate impeachment court,” he said.
Continue Reading at The Philippine Star
