MANILA, Philippines -- (UPDATE - 4:56 p.m.) An irate Senator Miriam Defensor-Santiago on Thursday gave private impeachment prosecutor Arthur Lim a dressing down and even threatened to have him inhibited for what she described as his attempts to debate with her and even threatened to seek his inhibition.
It was the third time in as many days since she started attending the trial of Chief Justice Renato Corona that Santiago took the prosecution to task. She had been absent on the first week of the trial because of high blood pressure.
After the exchange with Lim, Santiago's staff said she left the Senate session hall and sought medical attention after she felt unwell.
Her blood pressure, it turned out, had shot up to 180/90 forcing her to go home shortly before 4 p.m.
The exchange began after Santiago asked the prosecution if they were accusing Corona of violating the anti-graft and corrupt practices act.
“I do not need to underline that what you alleged against the respondent is he failed to disclose to the public his SALN (statement of assets, liabilities and net worth). Under the rules you are not allowed to introduce evidence that is not connected to the failure to disclose SALN,” Santiago said.
Then citing Article 2.3 of Article of Impeachment No. 2, which says, “It is also reported that some of the properties of Respondent are not included in his declaration of his assets, liabilities, and net worth, in violation of the anti-graft and corrupt practices act,” Santiago said: “My first question: are you charging respondent under the anti-graft and corrupt practices act?”
“Let me point out that first of all…” Lim started to say when Santiago cut him off: “Why do you have to point out? Answer yes or no. I am tired of hearing your voice.”
“The allegations of the complaint…” Lim began again, only to be interrupted again by Santiago.
“Do not override me. We’ve already heard that in your pleadings. You’ve said that in your motion for subpoena. Do not be sententious. Every hour counts. Madali lang naman sagutin itong pagtatanong na ito. Binibintangan mo ba sa ilalim ng (My question is easy to answer. Are you accusing him under the) graft and corrupt practices act?” she said.
This prompted Lim to answer, “Yes.”
This prompted Santiago to point out that Corona’s failure to publicly disclose his SALN is not a violation of the anti-graft and corrupt practices act of the code of conduct of public officials.
Lim’s continued attempts to reply only stoked Santiago’s anger.
“Do not engage in a colloquy with me. You are not supposed to discuss or argue,” she told the lawyer.
When Lim asked her he should answer her questions, Santiago said he should answer according to the rules of court.
Lim then asked for the specific rule, prodding Santiago to retort: “The Constitution allows the Senate to promulgate in this. And this is the end of this colloquy. How dare you raise questions? I will ask colleagues to inhibit you.”
“I am a senator-judge, I am not a politician. You cannot heckle me. You cannot engage in a discussion or argumentation with me,” Santiago said.
