MANILA, Philippines - The defense said it is worried about the number of private prosecutors that the House of Representatives is employing in the impeachment trial of Chief Justice Renato Corona.

Minutes before closing day 12 of the trial, senator-judge Vicente Sotto III presented in court another request from the prosecution panel to admit several more private prosecutors.

Lead defense counsel Serafin Cuevas then reacted, saying they are concerned with “the avalanche of private prosecutors.” He said this will result to an additional P10 million appropriation.

The lower House only earmarked P10 million in operational expenses for the whole trial.

There are 56 private prosecutors. Prosecution spokesperson Miro Quimbo said in a text message: “That number has not changed since we started. Staggered basis lang ang entry of appearance.”

Presiding Judge and Senate President Juan Ponce Enrile said, “the defense should be flattered by the phalanx of prosecutors.”

The defense lawyers come from high-profile law firms, with successful litigators in high-profile cases.

“Yes, but we are concerned that this is depleting the money of taxpayers. That’s my money, that’s your money and the money of everyone here. If it is not spent in accordance with the law, [it constitutes] technical malversation,” Cuevas said.

Pro-bono work

Prosecutor-lawmaker Rodolfo Fariñas said the private prosecutors are offering their work pro bono, or for free. He criticized the defense lawyers for offering their services free to Corona.

He added that public officials like Corona are prohibited from accepting free services, saying this violates the code of conduct for government officials and the anti-graft law.

“Bawal po sa isang public official ang tumanggap ng regalo,” he said.

Enrile said, however, “but counsel, the respondent [Corona] is also entitled to a counsel of his own, you can’t deny him that." He said he’s not even sure if the services are really pro bono.

Enrile said Fariñas’ accusations are a separate issue altogether. “If there’s evidence…let the prosecutorial service of the government take proper action.”