Philippines: Arroyo pushing panic button vs impeachment

MANILA — Cause-oriented groups pushing for the impeachment of President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo today held a protest action in front of the Batasang Pambansa as Congress resumes its session.

Several impeachment complaints or amendments to the existing Pulido complaint are set to be filed this week by various anti-Arroyo groups. Another complaint will be filed by militant groups which will include human rights abuses as one of the principal issues.

Bayan secretary general Renato M. Reyes, Jr. said that Malacañang has pressed the panic button with regards to the impeachment complaint which is why it hurriedly patched up differences with House Speaker Jose de Venecia.

“The move of President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo to mend fences with House Speaker Jose de Venecia is of course another desperation move in the face of another impeachment complaint. Malacañang is obviously terrified with the prospect that de Venecia may provide the critical votes for the impeachment complaint to be transmitted to the Senate,” Reyes said.

“Regardless of the developments with Malacañang and the House Speaker, various groups are still determined to hold Mrs. Arroyo accountable for her misdeeds. We are still determined to file a stronger impeachment complaint despite the overwhelming numbers commanded by the administration,” Reyes said.

Reyes said that de Venecia should think twice if he thinks the reconciliation with Mrs. Arroyo would be long term.

“It may be just a temporary truce while there is a pending impeachment complaint. It may be a different story after the majority has voted down the complaint. De Venecia may not be as secure in his position as Speaker,” Reyes said.

“We challenge Speaker de Venecia, if he is really for a moral revolution, not to stand in the way of the impeachment complaints. He should not stand in the way of efforts to make the corrupt accountable. Furthermore, we challenge him to investigate the solons who reportedly received bribes and cash gifts from the Palace,” Reyes said.

IMPORTANT NOTICE: INBOX is an archive of press releases, statements, announcements, letters to the editors, and manifestos sent to PinoyPress for publication. Please email your materials to pinoypress @ gmail.com. PinoyPress is not responsible for the content of these materials. The opinion expessed in these items does not reflect those of PinoyPress and its staff. Please refer to our terms of use/disclaimer.