MANILA, Philippines - Senate President Juan Ponce Enrile expects Chief Justice Renato Corona's impeachment trial to go more quickly and smoothly when it resumes next week.

In his first interview since the proceedings began, Enrile clarified that there are no rules for senator-judges who want to ask questions, except that they are given only 2 minutes each at a time.

"We have it in the rules. They can ask any question," he said. "No rules unless it is irrelevant, immaterial or the witness is incompetent. Extraneous matters will not be brought into the trial."

"Our speed in this case will depend upon the industry and skills of the lawyers of the opposing side and we do not control them," he added.

In the event the Supreme Court issues a temporary restraining order on the proceedings, Enrile said that the Senate's mandate is clear, based on the Constitution.

"To be frank about it, my reading of the Constitution is that as far as the trial is concerned, it cannot be stopped," he said.

"The mandate is trial in the Senate shall forthwith proceed, meaning you go on," he added.

"But again it is arguable and debatable because the provision of the Constitution said the Senate has the sole power to try and decide this case
and I think that no one can decide except us," he added.

Senators will meet in a caucus next Tuesday at 11 a.m. to discuss how they will handle the next hearings. - ANC