Embattled Chief Justice Renato Corona, aboard a black limousine, arrived at the Senate in Pasay City for his highly-anticipated testimony during the 40th day of his own impeachment trial.

Corona arrived at the Senate at about 1:20 p.m. with his wife Cristina, and they were both welcomed by Senate Sergeant-at-Arms Jose Balajadia.

From the Senate's parking area, the Corona couple were ushered to the Senate holding area.

Corona and his convoy came from the Supreme Court, where his supporters held an inter-faith prayer and send-off ceremony for him earlier in the day.

Corona's son Francis, earlier told reporters at the Supreme Court that his father was "in high spirits" before taking the witness stand.

"Tuloy ang laban... Honestly, hindi kami kinakabahan. I put my full trust in the Lord. we believe that the truth will come out," he said. Corona is facing charges of betrayal of public trust, culpable violation of the Constitution, and graft and corruption.

Defense lawyer and spokesperson Karen Jimeno said she was not aware if Corona has prepared an opening statement for his testimony.

"Hintayin na lang namin and ayaw namin pag-usapan kung ano ang pag-uusapan sa impeahcment court kasi that's not allowed," Jimeno told reporters at the Senate shortly before the start of Tuesday's trial.

Jimeno also said the defense lawyers had advised the chief magistrate to be as candid as possible.

"We really didn't rehearse him like a regular witness na may Q and A pa. We want this to be as candid as possible tsaka straightforward based on the chief justice's personal knowledge," she said.

Jimeno said she started the day by attending a Mass. Corona, himself, had attended an inter-faith prayer for him organized by Supreme Court employees at the SC Quadrangle along Padre Faura in Manila.

Some 500 supporters showed up at the event, including members of Corona's college fraternity, the Fraternal Order of Utopia. - VVP, GMA News