Senator Franklin Drilon reacts to Senator Joker Arroyo's non-joke
When Senator Arroyo stood up to voice his displeasure over the senate president's decision to summon the original bank documents of CJ Corona so that it can be compared to the alleged fake documents produced by the prosecution, Senator Drilon can be openly seen shaking his head, running his hand from the top of his head to the bottom of his chin in frustration, and making faces to the effect of, "What's this guy talking about?"
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| PS Bank President Garcia talking with Atty Miro Quimbo |
The officers of PSBank tried their best to prevent the court from opening CJ Corona's bank accounts, even claiming that the document presented by the prosecution was fake. But when asked that they bring the authentic copy, they responded by saying that they would violate the bank secrecy law on foreign currency deposits if they did so. Tiongson, the lady bank manager of Katipunan branch, even claimed that the "K" in the 700K entry appearing in a document under scrutiny may mean anything (It was leaked that one of the dollar accounts contained $700,000). But ask any banker and they would tell you that K is thousand in banking parlance. While I believe that PS Bank would not want to stall the search for truth, it also has to make sure that it protects the interests of its clients - lose your clients' trust, you also lose their deposits, then you're no longer a bank.
Senator Jinggoy Estrada summons public judgment
Unable to make the witness to confirm her closeness with prosecutor Niel Tupas even after a lengthy, if not repetitious, line of questioning, Senator Estrada gives up but not without saying that he did not believe the witness. He then invoked the judgment of the public as to whether the witness was telling the truth or not. Huh?! Why involve the public when he can't prove his personal hunch that the branch manager was the prosecution's source of the leaked documents?
Senators Lapid and Revilla working hard
Following the impeachment proceedings is difficult enough for non-lawyers, moreso for judges with, pardon me for the being blunt, limited intellectual capacity. But I have to give it to Senators Bong and Lito to appear interested. Senator Bong is convincing in his portrayal as a serious observer of the proceedings. But even the best actors need a break, so he engages in banters with seatmate Senator Ralph Recto, from time to time. He neither takes note or looks at his copy of the documents being discussed unlike Senator Lapid who does. However, Julio Valiente often looks at the audience perhaps to scout for possible leading ladies, and at times can be observed trying to stifle a yawn. Ang hirap talagang magtrabaho.
Showbiz invasion
How did it happen that the Senate, supposedly the bastion of the most brilliant minds, become the office address of four showbiz bigwigs: Jinggoy Estrada, Lito Lapid, Bong Revilla and Tito Sotto? (Five if you count Ralph Recto, husband of Vilma Santos). Senators Lito and Bong are great pretenders, making it appear that they are involved in the proceedings, albeit in silence; Senator Jinggoy at least tries to actively participate, while Senator Sotto, as the Majority Leader, is doing a good job in introducing witnesses and making sure that the proceedings flow smoothly, just like what he normally does at Eat Bulaga - the Senate does need an emcee.
Prosecution gains edge despite sub-par performance
I sense the tide turning in the prosecution's favor when, despite the objections and pleadings not to open CJ Corona's bank documents , presiding officer Senator Enrile still ordered PSBank to bring all bank documents pertaining to CJ Corona's peso Time Deposits, which, unfortunately for the defense, are the same documents where details of the accused's dollar deposits are contained. This minor victory materialized without the prosecution breaking a sweat.
Cuevas admits Defense's precarious situation
During a break in the proceedings, Justice Serafin Cuevas, like a rock star, is hounded by batch upon batch of fans seeking to be photographed with him. In a moment of candor, Justice Cuevas remarked, "Panalong panalo ako sa piktyuran, pero talong-talo naman kami sa trial."
Miriam show a no-show
I, together with my companions, was thrilled when Senator Santiago marched into the session hall. She was seen taking down notes and reviewing documents. We were certain that we would be, together with everyone including the prosecution, treated to a lecture on the law and a display of top rate condescending drama. But we were disappointed. When the good senator stepped out of the session during the first break, she never returned. BOOO! Oh well, maybe next time.
Apprentice prosecutors in session
It is almost laughable that the prosecution team is considered and widely acknowledged as lightweight and inexperienced. When Senator Enrile mentioned something about him not wanting to lecture on the law to fellow lawyers, but he had to, it was met by instantaneous murmur and snicker from the gallery as everyone knew for whom the comment was. Good that when that happened, Senator Santiago was no longer around, otherwise everyone could have been cited for contempt.
Public trial attorneys
Both the prosecution and defense teams know that there is a simultaneous trial, one that is being held in the court of public opinion. Hence there is a battle between young, good looking and articulate spokespersons on both sides, wishing to win the hearts and minds of the people.
Shooting history
It is fascinating how on TV, the press coverage appears very organized and perfectly framed. But inside the senate building, it is a complex mess of cameras, electric cables, computers and reporters trying to finagle every available story. It is also interesting to think that the future of close to a hundred million Filipinos and the generations to come can be affected by a few people inside a small hall.
Shooting stars
When the trial adjourned for the day, people from the gallery were excited to have souvenir photos taken with the trial lawyers. A member of a group of well-heeled ladies was overheard saying, "Ayun oh, si Cuevas." Another shot back, "Huwag na, ano? Matanda na yan." They settled for Niel Tupas.
Shooting courage
Raissa Laurel, who lost both her legs in a bomb blast during a bar examination, was also in the gallery. Her ID says she is a staff member of Senator Koko Pimentel. Ms Laurel gained fame when, despite her loss of both limbs, showed courage and optimism in facing her future.
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