Jinggoy: Corona impeachment trial may last 6 months

The impeachment trial of Chief Justice Renato Corona may take up to six months, a senator-judge said Sunday.   Senate President Pro Tempore Jose “Jinggoy” Estrada said the length of the trial will depend on the evidence presented to the Senate as an impeachment court. “Tingin ko aabot ng anim na buwan ito,” he said in an interview on dzBB radio.   But he said the six-month period would likely be the longest, saying the trial could be over in as little as one month.   “Maximum ang sinasabi ko anim na buwan, pwedeng one month, two months, three months,” said Estrada, whose father, former President Joseph Estrada, underwent the same proceedings in late 2000.   In January, senators will start the impeachment trial of Corona, whom the House of Representatives impeached last week for alleged graft and corruption, culpable violation of the Constitution, and betrayal of public trust. Congress is currently on its Christmas break.   Estrada also said it would be better if the trial were short, so senators can fully concentrate on lawmaking.   While the impeachment trial is going on, senators are to hold lawmaking sessions in the morning. “Mas maiksi mas okay ... The earlier the better para makapagtrabaho kami,” Estrada said. — KBK, GMA News