Atty. Vitaliano Aguirre cited for contempt after covering ears during Sen. Santiago's speech (Photo)

Atty. Vitaliano Aguirre covering his ears | Photo: ANC

Private prosecutor Vitaliano Aguirre was cited for contempt during Chief Justice Renato Corona's impeachment trial on Wednesday after covering his ears while Senator Miriam Defensor-Santiago was delivering her speech.

It was Senator-judge Jinggoy Estrada who told the court that Aguirre covered his ears with hands during Santiago's speech.

Santiago later demanded that Aguirre be cited for contempt for disrespecting the court.

In a ruling, Presiding Judge and Senate President Juan Ponce Enrile said: "[Aguirre] is hereby cited for contempt. The penalty will be taken in the caucus next week."

Aguirre admitted he covered his ears because they were hurting.

“Kung mag dedemand tayo ng respeto, dapat rerespetuhin mo rin (kami),” Aguirre reportedly told the court.