I am here against my better judgment – Corona

IMPEACHED CHIEF JUSTICE Renato Corona told the impeachment court that he is appearing for the second day before the senator-judges against his better judgment and against the recommendation of his doctor.

Corona decided to appear before the impeachment court for direct examination by the defense panel and cross examination by the prosecution after practically walking out of the impeachment trial last Tuesday. Corona stepped out of the hearing after delivering a nearly three hour opening statement where he delivered a tirade against President Benigno S. Aquino III, Ombudsman Conchita Carpio Morales, and his critics and accusers.

Corona’s lawyers said the Chief Justice had to leave the session floor because he was suffering from hypoglycemia and dizziness. Corona was rushed to the hospital Tuesday night, where he was confined for several days. Corona was shuttled to the Senate building this afternoon by an ambulance from Medical City.

“Ako po ay pumarito labag sa kagustuhan ng aking duktor, at against my better judgment to come here,” Corona said in another opening statement before the senator-judges.

Corona made the statement after presiding officer Juan Ponce Enrile asked Corona if he was ready to testify before the impeachment court.

“”Kayo po ba ay handa sa inyong katawan ay kaisipan na sumali sa paglilitis na ito, given the fact that your doctor made the statement in the papers that you are not well,” Enrile asked Corona.

“Nasa puso ko po yung obligasyon at pangako ko sa bayan na magpaliwanag na hindi nga po natapos nung martes,” Corona said.

Corona also apologized to the impeachment court for what happened Tuesday, saying that he was suffering from hypoglycemia as a diabetic. He said anyone who has suffered from diabetes would know what he was going through.

In fact, Corona said he was not able to finish his opening statement because of his medical condition, and that he had two more pages to read when he stepped out of the session hall.

“Ang nangyari po sa di magandang pangyayari ay untiunti ko pong naramdaman ang pagbagsak po ng aking blood sugar sapagkat ako po ay diabetiko since 1986,” Corona said.