The Chief Justice is the head of the judicial branch of the government, having co-equal power with the President of the Republic and the Senate president, at the executive and legislative respectively. Yet, the head of the court will now defend himself in an impeachment complaint, raised by some members of the Congress.

Today, marks the first day of the trial of Chief Justice Renato Corona, the first Supreme Court head to face impeachment trial in Philippine history. For the next six or more months, on this trial, the chief justice will not act as judge anymore, but as defendant of the eight cases against him.

With our present justice system, where most cases take years or even decades to prosper, will the six months be enough to convict the head of the highest court of the land? Having a chief justice on the midst of controversy, can we still trust our justice system?

Given the power to decide on Corona’s case, our 23 senators will take the responsibility to probe Corona’s innocence. On their votes, lies our call to justice. We hope that our senators will answer this call and not abuse, as they again take on the limelight.

Many things can happen as the trial goes on. But all must remain optimistic that in the end, truth and justice shall prevail.*