February 21, 2012 - Reynaldo Esmeralda, National Bureau of Investigation Deputy Director for Technical Services, said on Tuesday that the NBI is prepared to conduct a forensic examination on allegedly tampered photocopies of Philippine Savings Bank records attributed to Chief Justice Renato, even as he clarified that his agency has not yet received any such request or order from the Senate sitting as impeachment court.

Esmeralda said that his office will comply appropriately if called upon to conduct the examination by the Senate. He disclosed that NBI forensic experts can provide a conclusive finding if they are furnished a copy of the original document as reference.

The NBI's forensic services are considered at par with international standards and up-to-date technology-wise. Esmeralda said that the his office's forensic experts have received training in Australia, Singapore and Thailand, among others.

On Monday, Senator-judge Panfilo Lacson had suggested that the subject bank documents be made to undergo a forensic exam, either with the NBI or the Philippine National Police.

Senate President Juan Ponce Enrile, who sits as the presiding officer of the impeachment court, said that it was the prosecution’s job to request for a forensic examination, but hinted nevertheless that Lacson's suggestion could be taken up in the next Senate caucus.

Reportage from Albert Alicer