MANILA, Philippines - Finally, he's talking.

Three weeks into the impeachment trial of Chief Justice Renato Corona, the audience in the Senate broke into cheers as deputy lead prosecutor Rodolfo Fariñas took to the floor for the first time.

Fariñas, acknowledged as the brains of the prosecution team by some, has been sidelined in previous weeks with chief prosecutor Niel Tupas Jr. taking the floor for the legal arguments during the trial.

Fariñas was prevailed upon by his colleagues at least twice not to talk earlier in the trial, when the prosecution was getting a dressing down from the senator-judges over their handling of the trial.

Today, the lawmaker was unstoppable after defense counsel Serafin Cuevas questioned the entry of more private lawyers for the prosecution.

Fariñas countered by saying Corona is violating the Anti Graft and Corrupt Practices Act restricting high officials from accepting expensive gifts.

He said Corona's lawyers now have undue influence in courts where they have other cases simply because they represent the country's chief magistrate.

"Bawal tumanggap ng regalo by reason of office. Ito bang mga to magbibigay libreng serbisyo sa walang pera? Ito gusto ko malaman if nagbigay services. Sa dami ng kaso ko, ako mismo nagtatanggol sa sarili ko. Ayoko na sana magsalita. Minsan di ko mapigilan bunganga ko eh," he said.

Asked about his first time on the podium today, Fariñas jokingly confirmed what has been spoken with hushed tones in previous weeks. "Nun pong umpisa, kulang sa tiwala sa akin. Gusto ko magsalita, ayaw. Sabi ko wag na di nako mapigilan."

Fariñas promised Tupas that he would not take to the podium unless he can say something helpful. "Pag hindi ako makakatulong, di ako magsasalita," he said.

Tupas seemed to accept Fariñas' move. "Nung nakita gusto sumagot ni Congressman Fariñas, binigay ko kaagad floor."

Prosecution 'bazooka'

Spokesman panel Miro Quimbo put a positive spin to Fariñas' appearance. "Yung bazooka, reserba natin yan," he said, ostensibly referring to Fariñas.

He said Fariñas is also going to handle Article 3, on the probity, integrity and moral fitness of Corona for office, to which Fariñas jokingly asked, "Kasama ba ako sa Article 3?"

Quimbo replied, "Kasama ka sa lahat."

Fariñas then said, "Ako na lang cheerer niyo!"

Fariñas tried to excuse himself from the press conference when Tupas was asked about his alleged multimillion-peso house. He advised Tupas not to respond but the latter answered questions anyway.

While Tupas fielded questions, Fariñas excused himself and said, "Baka ako pa matanong sa SALN ko dito"

He then stood up and left his colleagues.

Earlier, Fariñas also urged Corona not to let judiciary employees conduct demonstrations in his support. He said the demonstrations set a bad precedent because it could be copied by the military should the president be the one impeached.