Wednesday, August 24, 2005 (Philippines)

Opposition Rep. Francis Escudero (right) talks with Rep. Simeon Datumanong (second from left) during impeachment hearings against President Gloria Arroyo at the House of Representatives in Quezon City. Opposition and administration forces battled on “prejudicical questions” that, administration legislators say, must be resolved before acting on the impeachment complaints. (AP photo) Cebu City Mayor Tomas Osmeña yesterday signed the petition asking the court to nullify the law that declared neighboring Talisay a city five years ago. The petition identified Talisay City Mayor Socrates Fernandez, Executive Secretary Eduardo Ermita, Interior and Local Government Secretary Angelo Reyes, and Budget and Finance Secretary Romulo Neri as respondents. In front of reporters in his regular press conference, Osmeña signed the verification and certification portion of the petition, which he said will be immediately filed before the Court of Appeals. [full story]