MANILA, Philippines - Members of the defense team want Chief Justice Renato Corona to appear and face his accusers during his first day of trial at the Senate.

It remains under wraps, however, if the plan will push through.

In an interview with ANC, lawyer Ramon Esguerra said “last Saturday, during our coordination meeting, there were emerging concerns, it was a suggestion of the defense panel.” Esguerra, a former Justice undersecretary, serves as one of Corona’s spokespersons.

This would show that Corona “will face his accusers, he would like to stress that he’s not hiding anything and he has respect for the institution trying him,” he said.

This would also mean that resignation is very much out of the question, he said.

During his first day on the job as part of the defense team, Esguerra had already posed the question to Corona.

“He said he has reached a point of no return. Either he will remain afloat or sink with what’s happening,” Esguerra said.

He added: “[Corona] believes it’s a big challenge to put aside his personal interest and be ruled by the interest of the nation and the judiciary.”

He also downplayed issues that the trial will push Corona to resign especially that his family will be dragged into the matter. “Apparently, they do not know [the Chief Justice]. He’s a very spiritual and prayerful man. He drives his strength in God.”

Asked if the odds are against Corona since the elections are nearing, Esguerra only said: “That will only put our Senators on the spot.”

He said, however, that calling the trial a numbers game is an insult to the Senate. “[You’re like saying] that it’s a foregone conclusion.”