Kudos to the Inquirer for running side-by-side articles by the prosecution and defense on the surveys conducted to get the public feel on the guilt or innocence of impeached Chief Justice Renato Corona. (Talk of the Town, Inquirer, 4/8/12)
After weighing the views of both sides, I tend to agree with Rep. Sonny Angara that the publication of the findings of surveys must be allowed to be reported by media because they play an important role in our democracy as they gauge public sentiments and affirm our right to freedom of expression.
To be sure, had the results of the same surveys favored Corona, the defense would have welcomed them. But they did not, which makes it very clear that the people appreciate the gravity of the pieces of evidence that had been unearthed against Corona.
In nationwide polls, Pulse Asia reported that 47 percent of all Filipinos want Corona convicted, while the Social Weather Stations said that 73 percent of its respondents believe Corona is guilty as charged.
Angara correctly pointed out that election-related prohibitions on surveys do not apply to the surveys being conducted in relation to Corona’s impeachment trial, citing the oft-referred to sui generis nature of the trial.
The defense lawyers of Corona are just trying to veer attention away from the fact that they and their client have failed miserably to live up to their pledge to prove without an iota of doubt his claimed innocence.
Corona himself has pledged to personally take the witness stand at the impeachment court and open his dollar accounts, but has since backtracked by saying he might just be ridiculed if he testifies or that the temporary restraining order issued by the Supreme Court on his dollar deposits is still in effect.
As Angara said, the best defense for Corona is to reveal all by offering more speech, evidence and testimony—not less.
—MARICAR POLICARPIO,
maricarpolicarpio@rocketmail.com