Wednesday, November 14, 2007 New impeach raps vs Arroyo futile: Piñol By Carlo P. Mallo
NORTH Cotabato Vice Governor Emmanuel Piñol does not see the bright of day for the newly filed impeachment complaint against President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo.
Nonetheless, he salutes the opposition for their staunch vigilance in guarding the government against corrupt government officials.
"It's an exercise in futility," Piñol said in an interview last Monday. "She (President Arroyo) has barely two and half years left, let her finish her term."
Piñol said: "Amidst all the allegations against her, she has performed well, especially in fiscal management."
He added that for the first time in history, the National Government has not incurred any debt with the local governments.
"Before, 10 percent of our IRA (internal revenue allocation) was withheld, but under the President it has ceased," the vice governor said.
In previous administrations, the National Government would withhold the 10 percent of the IRA of local governments to help fund its various projects.
Moreover, Piñol said he would like to salute the earnest efforts of the opposition and other groups who have remained vigilant in guarding against any possible atrocity that the present administration might commit.
The vice governor especially cited the exposé on the controversial ZTE National Broadband Network Deal.
"Until now, the mere thought of more than $300 million being thrown away, gives me goose pimples," Piñol said. He instead suggested that a real highway that would provide more accessibility to the rural areas rather than a cyber highway.
