Lawmakers take advantage of impeachment trial break to watch ‘AI’

‘I HAVE NOTHING’ This is the song that could win everything for Jessica Sanchez when text and Internet voters select this season’s “American Idol.” Jessica belted out the Whitney Houston song in the first of three numbers Wednesday. The fate of Jessica and the other finalist, Phillip Phillips, will be known Thursday. WWW.AMERICANIDOL.COM

MANILA, Philippines–Taking advantage of the break in the impeachment-trial of Chief Justice Renato Corona on Thursday, several members of the defense panel and senator-judges were glued to TV sets, watching the result of the “American Idol” final showdown between Filipino-Mexican Jessica Sanchez and Phillip Phillips.

When Phillips was declared winner, defense spokesperson Karen Jimeno tweeted swiftly, but on sad note: “Disappointed that Jessica Sanchez didn’t win, but I’m sure her singing career will flourish. A significant addition to Fil-Am-Mex (Filipino-American-Mexican) artists.”

Jimeno chuckled when asked by phone whether the decision of the impeachment court to reset Thursday’s hearing for Friday because of Corona’s medical condition gave her time to catch up on her favorite TV shows.

“I agree with you. Although (disappointing) that Jessica lost,” she said.

Sen. Aquilino “Koko” Pimentel III, chimed in. “Jessica Sanchez is the People’s Idol! Let us prove it when she comes to Manila,” he tweeted.

Cavite Rep. Lani Mercado, the actress-wife of Sen. Ramon “Bong” Revilla, tweeted: “Jessica might not be the champion but for us Filipinos, she is our Philippine IDOL! Our national voice!”