Former Supreme Court Associate Justice Serafin Cuevas will lead a powerhouse cast who will defend Chief Justice Renato Corona in his impeachment trial next year, ABS-CBN News sources said.
Joining him is lawyer Eduardo de los Angeles, former Ateneo College of Law Dean. He is also a member of Corona’s fraternity, Ateneo’s Fraternal Order of Utopia.
Cuevas, 83, worked as justice secretary under the administration of former President Joseph Estrada. He was an associate justice during the Marcos administration.
Cuevas is a known lawyer of the influential Iglesia Ni Cristo (INC) and a former chairman of New Era University, which was established by the INC.
De los Angeles, on the other hand, was one of the private prosecutors during Estrada’s impeachment trial.
Both are known for their extensive experience in litigation.
Joining their team are former Court of Appeals Justice Hector Hofileña and former Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Maynila Law Dean Jose “Judd” Roy III.
The Integrated Bar of the Philippines (IBP) considers Corona’s legal team very strong. IBP President Roan Libarios said, “We’re confident that he could adequately represent the Chief Justice. Nababahala kami sa IBP na sinasabi ng iba na dahil political process ito, they will rely on the public opinion.”
A team from the IBP was also offered to join the defense team, but had to beg off because they themselves believe that the impeachment complaint is defective.
IBP, the national organization of lawyers in the country, will lead an information drive to explain to the public the effects of the executive and legislative branches’ actions in maligning the Supreme Court.
Former Solicitor General Frank Chavez, on the other hand, said the fight is not all about legal speak.
“This is a battle of propaganda so kailangan maganda rin ang propaganda machineries of both sides,” he said.
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