Manila, Sept. 14 -- Mere ownership of company shares may already fall within the constitutional prohibition against a President or Vice President participating in business, a former Sandiganbayan chief told the Senate impeachment court Monday.

The issue surfaced when presiding officer Francis "Chiz" Escudero pressed retired Sandiganbayan presiding justice Amparo Cabotaje-Tang on how far the constitutional ban extends - whether it covers only actively running a company or also retaining ownership after assuming office.

"So, it is your position that a President and/or Vice President should divest from any businesses that they may have after they take their oath?" Escudero asked.

"Yes, sir," Cabotaje-Tang replied.

Escudero then tested th...