Tuesday, October 14, 2008 (Philippines)

President Gloria Arroyo appears unfazed by the new round of impeachment complaints filed against her. A fourth complaint was filed yesterday before the House of Representatives. Here, the President hand-gestures at the inauguration of the RFM Pasta Plant in Pioneer, Mandaluyong City, in connection with RFM Food Corp.'s 50th anniversary celebration. Left, part inset, Sen. Loren Legarda, visiting Cebu, says "time constraint" doesn't favor the new impeachment complaints. (Above: photo life Sun.star photo/Arni Aclao) CIVIL society groups led by National Broadband Network (NBN) deal witness Jose "Joey" de Venecia III finally filed the fourth impeachment charge against President Arroyo before the House of Representatives yesterday, accusing her of betrayal of public trust and corruption. Opposition leaders, however, differ in opinion on the necessity of filing the complaint, with Sen. Loren Legarda, who was in Cebu City yesterday, saying it will likely not prosper because the 2010 elections is already near. While the United Opposition (UNO) says there is "substantial basis" to file the complaint, members of the Liberal Party said they will neither support nor denounce it and prefer to be neutral for the meantime. [full story]