Philippine Senate Impeaches Chief Justice Corona
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HAWAII-FILIPINO NEWS HEALTH NEWS Firefighters Union 5 New 12 Retaliates Against Own Retirees Guidelines in for Cayetano Endorsement Cardio Care JUNE 2, 2012 H a w a i i ’ s O n l y w e e k l y F i l i p i n O - a m e r i c a n n e w s p a p e r PhiliPPine Senate imPeacheS chief JuStice PhiliPPine Consulate corona ReCeives 2012 histoRiC By HFC Staff PReseRvation Commendation by HFC Staff he Philippine Con- sulate General in T Honolulu was awarded the 2012 His- toric Preservation Com- mendation by the Historic Hawaii Foundation opening the Consulate to during the annual Preserva- the Nuuanu-Candlelight tion Honor Awards Ceremony Tour every February. The held May 11, 2012. tour allows participants to Impeached Chief Justice Renato Corona Senate President Juan Ponce Enrile Consulate officials were view and visit the historic commended for outstanding sites in Nuuanu, where the he Philippine Senate voted 20-3 to impeach the nation’s top efforts in presenting and (continued on page 5) judge on corruption charges. For nearly five months, prosecu- tors and defense attorneys squared off in the impeachment trial New ambassador T for Chief Justice Renato Corona, who was accused of failing to to ChiNa breezes disclose millions of dollars in wealth, betraying public trust and violat- through CommissioN ing the constitution. oN appoiNtmeNts “The Senate, sitting as of the eight articles of impeach- fensor-Santiago and Ferdinand an impeachment court, hav- ment filed by the Philippine Marcos Jr. were the three sena- by Marvin Sy ing tried Renato C. Corona, House of Representatives. On tors who voted for acquittal. ANILA, Philippines - Chief Justice of the December 12, 2011, the House Senator Francis Pangilinan, The Commission on Xxxx Supreme Court, upon three initiated an impeachment com- who voted to impeach Corona, M Appointments (CA) Articles of Impeachment plaint signed by 188 members says the chief justice should not has confirmed the appoint- charged against him by the against Corona which was filed only be dismissed but also dis- ment of Sonia Brady as the House of Representatives, the next day in the Senate. The barred. Philippine ambassador to by a guilty vote of 20 sena- Senate began the impeachment “Respect for the rule of law China, less than a week after Amb. Brady and Sen. Enrile tors found him guilty of the trial against Corona on January will only be realized if punish- her nomination was an- undersecretary for policy of charge under Article II of the 16, 2012 with designated mem- ment to the guilty is swift in a fair nounced by Malacañang. the Department of Foreign said Articles of Impeach- bers of the House of Represen- trial,” Sen. Pangilinan says. Brady, a retired career for- Affairs (DFA). ment,” says Juan Ponce En- tatives serving as prosecutors. “Those who wish to abuse will eign service officer, had no She breezed through rile, Senate president and The senator-judges stood continue to be embolden. The problems hurdling her confir- the CA unlike President impeachment court presid- one by one to announce and to rule of law should be respected mation hearing because of her Aquino’s original nominee, ing officer. explain their vote in alphabetical and it should strike fear to those extensive experience as a for- businessman Domingo Corona faced only three order. Joker Arroyo, Miriam De- (continued on page 4) mer ambassador to China and (continued on page 4) HAWAII FILIPINO CHRONICLE LEGAL NOTES GLOBAL NEWS 94-356 WAIPAHU DEPOT RD., 2ND FLR. Same Sex 13 UN Council Gives 14 WAIPAHU, HI 96797 Marriage Under Phl Positive Marks Immigration Law on Human Rights Record 2 News Edition JUne 2, 2012 editorialS Moving Forward way, public expectations are higher for the President’s achievement of his objectives. The momentum for reforms must not be he Senate, sitting as an impeachment court, dissipated. has spoken. The court has performed its man- The Aquino administration should also not over- T date efficiently, with credibility, and with the de- look the need for national healing. Corona’s im- liberate haste that the situation called for. With an peachment has been a divisive issue, and overwhelming vote of 20-3, senator-judges voted perceptions that the executive is trying to undermine yesterday to convict Renato Corona and remove him the independence of the Supreme Court need to be as Chief Justice. From his hospital bed, Corona decisively dispelled. SC justices themselves can quickly issued a statement, accepting the verdict of strengthen their own institution by showing in the a co-equal branch of government. coming weeks that all their decisions are based on His historic impeachment was initiated ostensibly blind justice, with no favors owed to anyone. in the name of transparency, public accountability, The nation has survived martial law, the difficult and better administration of justice. Those objectives restoration of democracy, and the ouster of two pres- should be pursued in earnest following his removal idents; it will survive the removal of a chief justice from office, a year after Merceditas Gutierrez re- through a constitutional process. Such upheavals can signed as ombudsman rather than face an im- leave institutions weakened, but they also offer op- peachment trial. portunities for building a better, stronger nation. When President Aquino had earlier said Gutierrez and we look back at the 44 trial days that led to the re- Corona were major hindrances to the administration’s anti-corruption cam- moval of Chief Justice Renato Corona, we should remember the period as paign and good governance initiatives. Now that the two are out of the the beginning of a better judiciary, and a better Philippines. (www,philstar.com) Planning a Productive Summer ith the school year and graduation season over, many families shelter or other non-profit group, it shows that you are dedicated to pub- are eagerly awaiting a summer break. Students have worked ex- lic service. W tremely hard during the past year to complete assignments, If taking classes or volunteering is not your cup of tea, perhaps learn- exams, classes and all-nighters, and have deservedly earned a little time ing something new might be more up your alley. You could join a book for relaxation. However, the smart student should use the break wisely club, play a new sport, take a cooking class or even learn a new language. and consider all options. The question begs…is it possible to have both a There are many opportunities out there for you to learn new things and fund AND productive summer? We think it’s indeed possible. start a new hobby. Whatever you choose, make sure it is something that To avoid becoming distracted and lazy, it would be advisable to first you find enjoyable and fun. develop a plan. It will be to your advantage to create a list beforehand to No matter what you do this summer, keep in mind that the next few determine what you want to do during summer vacation. Don’t wait until months make up nearly a quarter of the entire year, so spend your time the last moment, especially if you want to start working on your long-term wisely. Those who can balance the need for a little down time with a focus future goals. If your goal is to graduate faster and save thousands of dol- on productive activities can make the most of this great time of the year. lars in tuition, consider taking summer classes. Or you could do an in- Happy summer! ternship, paid or non-paid, which is a good way to experience for yourself the type of field you are entering. More and more college graduates are finding it difficult to land a job without any experience or internships. Or you could do worthwhile volunteer work, which would look good to graduate schools that you are considering applying to and also strength- ens your resumé. Whether you choose to volunteer for a hospital, animal NEWS EDITION www.thefilipinochronicle.com www.efilipinochronicle.com Contributing Writers Advertising/Marketing Director Belinda Aquino, Ph.D., Clement Bautista, Teresita Chona A. Montesines-Sonido Charlie Y. SONIDO, M.D. Columnists Bernales, Ed.D., Serafin Colmenares, Jr., Ph.D., Gov. Neil Abercrombie Carlota Ader Publisher and Executive Editor Linda Dela Cruz, Fiedes Doctor, Danny de Gracia II, Account Executives Mayor Peter Carlisle Carlo Cadiz, M.D. M.A., Caroline Weygan-Hildebrand, Amelia Jacang, Carlota Ader Sen. Will Espero Chona A. M.D., Caroline Julian, Maita Milallos, Paul Melvin J. P. Orias MONTESINES-SONIDO Grace F. Fong, Ed.D. Palalay, M.D., Glenn Wakai Ruth Elynia Mabanglo, Ph.D. Creative Designer Big Island Distributor Publisher and Managing Editor J. P. Orias Junggoi Peralta Grace Larson Pacita Saludes Ditas Udani Dennis GALOLO Reuben S. Seguritan, Esq. Philippine Correspondent Edwin QUINABO Charlie Sonido, M.D. Greg Garcia Maui Distributor Emmanuel S. Tipon,Esq. Associate Editors Photography Cecile Piros Felino S. 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