Miriam scolds prosecutor, threatens to disqualify him from Corona trial

Senator Miriam Defensor-Santiago on Thursday scolded and even threatened to disqualify a prosecutor for supposedly raising questions about her authority.   During the day’s impeachment trial of Chief Justice Renato Corona, Santiago asked the prosecution whether they were accusing Corona of being guilty under the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practies Act.   At first Atty. Arthur Lim did not answer her question directly, which irked the feisty lawmaker. "I'm tired of hearing your voice... answer yes or no." she told Lim.   Lim then answered, "The allegations of the complaint determine the jurisdiction over the case."   Santiago, however, told him: "Do not override me. We have already heard that on your pleadings and in your motion for subpoena and memorandum."   Lim tried to explain further about the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act, but Santiago cut him off and told him to give her the "presumption of literacy" and not "overstep" himself.   "As I pointed out during the Estrada impeachment trial, you are not supposed to discuss or argue during an impeachment trial especially when you are speaking to an impeachment judge," she said.   Lim asked if he can answer the question in "the way [he] feel[s] it should to be answered," but Santiago said he should answer according to the rules of court.     Lim then asked her to cite the Constitutional provision allowing the Senate to make its own rules, which irked Santiago even more.   "The Constitution allows the Senate to promulgate its own rules of procedure, that has been repeated in this instance. This is the end of this colloquy. How dare you raise questions to my authority? Be careful because I might request my colleagues to inhibit you and disqualify you from appearing here," she said.   "You cannot heckle me. You cannot engage in what the law calls a colloquy with me.  You cannot engage in a discussion or in an argumentation with me. I'm the judge, I preside here," she added.   In the end, Lim admitted that they were indeed accusing Corona of being guilty under the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act.  He specifically cited Section 3 (c, e, and f) of Republic Act 3019 which states:   (c) Directly or indirectly requesting or receiving any gift, present or other pecuniary or material benefit, for himself or for another, from any person for whom the public officer, in any manner or capacity, has secured or obtained, or will secure or obtain, any Government permit or license, in consideration for the help given or to be given, without prejudice to Section thirteen of this Act.   (e) Causing any undue injury to any party, including the Government, or giving any private party any unwarranted benefits, advantage or preference in the discharge of his official administrative or judicial functions through manifest partiality, evident bad faith or gross inexcusable negligence. This provision shall apply to officers and employees of offices or government corporations charged with the grant of licenses or permits or other concessions.   (f) Neglecting or refusing, after due demand or request, without sufficient justification, to act within a reasonable time on any matter pending before him for the purpose of obtaining, directly or indirectly, from any person interested in the matter some pecuniary or material benefit or advantage, or for the purpose of favoring his own interest or giving undue advantage in favor of or discriminating against any other interested party.   Santiago, however, asked where in the eight Articles of Impeachment the said provisions were included.   Lim just answered: "I believe the best evidence would be the complaint and we leave it to the Senate to interpret."   The senator accepted his answer and just clarified whether they were citing this law or Republic Act 6713 or the Code of Conduct and Ethical Standards for Public Officials and Employees in Article II, which accuses Corona of not disclosing his Statements of Assets, Liabilities, and Net Worth (SALN).   Lim said they are citing both laws. Santiago said this was a "safe answer” and she would accept it. — KBK, GMA News