Corona's lead defense counsel Serafin Cuevas has already told the media that the defense may seek the Supreme Court's intercession to declare the proceedings a mistrial. The Senate is expected to vote on Tuesday after hearing oral arguments today, Monday.
A senator-judge told GMA News that Cuevas' pronouncement is rubbing him and his colleagues the wrong way. "They took part in the the process yet will not accept the decision," he said. He declined to be identified.
In an interview over radio dzBB on Monday, Senate majority leader Vicente Sotto III said they may have to meet on the matter if the court convicts Corona and he refuses to leave his post.
"Kailangan pag-usapan 'yan. May sagot diyan: we'll cross that bridge when we get there," Sotto said.
Senate impeachment court spokesperson Valentina Cruz said the decision will be non-appealable.
"Isang beses lang 'yan, hindi siya appealable sa kahit anong korte," she said.
The Senate impeachment court will hear on Monday afternoon the closing arguments of the defense and prosecution. The court is expected to render its verdict on Tuesday.
Sotto said the Senate leadership is not inclined to accommodate any temporary restraining order against its eventual decision.
"Kung may maghaharang sa Senado, hindi papayag leadership ng Senado," he said.
He also pointed out the defense had agreed to be placed under the jurisdiction of the Senate impeachment court. "Eh humarap sila eh," he said.
Meanwhile, Sotto said there is no rule on whether Corona should be at the impeachment court when the verdict is handed down.
He said the Senate will issue a written version of the verdict and the appropriate resolution.
"Malamang maglalabas ng written order or resolution ang Senate, a resolution would probably follow, informing the respondent," he said.
Time limit
For Monday's closing arguments, Sotto said the prosecution and defense will each have one hour to present their final arguments.
He said senator-judges can ask questions but not during the presentation itself.
Cruz added the prosecution will speak first, followed by the defense, then the prosecution.
