KIKO: NUMBER OF WITNESSES A "CAUSE FOR CONCERN"

Senator Francis "Kiko" Pangilinan, who sits as senator-judge in the impeachment trial of Supreme Court Chief Justice Renato Corona, has expressed concern over the number of witnesses that the prosecution will produce for the trial, is said will reach "over 100."

"The number of witnesses is a cause for concern. If they are serious about presenting all these witnesses then we face the prospects of a prolonged trial," Pangilinan said. "We have had six witnesses in the last two weeks. If we maintain this pace, 100 witnesses will require 10 months of trial. This doesnt include the witnesses for the defense. Going by this lengthy route is pushing to the limit our ability to effectively govern the nation."

The lawmaker added, "While we should give both the defense and the prosecution enough leeway to present their case, it is the duty of the impeachment court to strike a healthy balance between the demands of the the trial and that of the national interest."