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Monday, November 12, 2007
Legislator to reject new impeach raps v. Arroyo
MANILA -- The chairman of the House of Representatives justice committee said Sunday they could no longer entertain new impeachment complaints against President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo.
Quezon City Rep. Matias Defensor issued the statement amid talks militant groups are set to file a stronger impeachment complaint against Arroyo Monday.
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Defensor told critics of the president to wait for the one-year prohibition on filing of a complaint to expire. He said a new complaint can only be filed on October 11, 2008, exactly a year after the recent complaint was referred to his committee.
"Well, I think they have to wait for next year because of the one-year prohibition. Since the impeachment complaint against the President has been initiated after it was referred to my committee, all similar complaints are barred," said Defensor.
Deliberations
On Monday morning, Defensor's committee is set to start deliberations on the impeachment complaint against the President.
"I hope that everybody will be enlightened as we are set to discuss the pros and cons of the impeachment complaint against the President. We will determine tomorrow (Monday) whether or not the impeachment complaint is sufficient in form and in substance," said Defensor.
Roel Pulido, the former lawyer of Oakwood mutineers, filed last October 5 a three-page complaint against President Arroyo for betrayal of public trust following her alleged failure to stop the reported bribery in connection with the scrapped US$329 million National Broadband Network deal with China's Zhong Xing Telecommunications Corp.
Another complaint
At 8:30 a.m. Monday, members of the party-list groups Bayan Muna, Anakpawis, and Gabriela are scheduled to endorse another impeachment complaint against President Arroyo to be filed by Bagong Alyansang Makabansa (Bayan), Karapatan, and other citizens' groups.
Bayan Muna party-list Rep. Teodoro Casiño said they will go to the Supreme Court (SC) if the committee throws out their complaint.
"We will give Congress the opportunity to replace the sham Pulido complaint and ensure public accountability for PGMA's many crimes. If Congress refuses, we shall go to the SC for redress and to rectify the flawed Francisco ruling on impeachment," said Casiño.
Citizens Battle Against Corruption (Cibac) party-list Rep. Joel Villanueva said he hoped legislators will decide on the impeachment case with the realization that the constitutional provision on impeachment is meant to make public officials accountable.
The House earlier returned the addendum complaint filed by lawyer Adel Tamano, spokesman for the United Opposition (UNO).
House Secretary General Roberto Nazareno did the same to the supplemental complaint lodged by Iloilo Vice Governor Rolex Suplico. Both complaints were aimed at making the Pulido complaint stronger. (Sunnex)
For more Philippine news, visit Sun.Star Manila. (November 12, 2007 issue)
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