UCA News
Contribute

Philippines impeachment bid against Aquino collapses

Justice committee dismisses complaints overwhelmingly
Philippines impeachment bid against Aquino collapses

President Benigno Aquino (Photo by Gil Nartea)

Published: September 02, 2014 07:47 AM GMT
Updated: September 01, 2014 09:23 PM GMT

The Philippines House of Representatives on Tuesday dismissed three impeachment bids against President Benigno Aquino.

The House justice committee, dominated by presidential allies, voted 54-4 to junk the complaints, calling them "insufficient in substance."

The first two complaints were filed against Aquino in July for alleged violation of the Constitution and betrayal of public trust over his role in a budget-spending program known as the 'pork barrel' scheme.

The other complaint was filed in August over Aquino's signing of the Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement between Manila and Washington.

Religious leaders, academics and various civil society leaders earlier signed the impeachment complaint.

The decision to dismiss the impeachment bids was met by protests from activists who were able watch the proceedings.

"This is a terrible day for the Filipino people," said Rep Neri Colmenares of the Nation First Party who endorsed one of the impeachment complaints.

Rep Terry Ridon of the Youth Party said it was "apparent that the allies of the president had already made up their minds on how to vote".

"Congress has played blind, deaf and mute to the clamor of the Filipino people for justice," he said.

Victor Villanueva, principal complainant in the pork barrel impeachment complaint, said the result of the impeachment proceeding "did not dampen the youth’s resolve to fight the pork barrel system."

"Instead, the injustice committed… has just strengthened the youth’s resolve to topple this moribund administration," he said.

Rep Niel Tupas, chairman of the justice committee, said the decisions could still be reversed, but added that the committee decision was "a reflection of the sentiment of the entire House."

He said his committee would release a report on the outcome of Tuesday’s hearing.

Help UCA News to be independent
Dear reader,
Lent is the season during which catechumens make their final preparations to be welcomed into the Church.
Each year during Lent, UCA News presents the stories of people who will join the Church in proclaiming that Jesus Christ is their Lord. The stories of how women and men who will be baptized came to believe in Christ are inspirations for all of us as we prepare to celebrate the Church's chief feast.
Help us with your donations to bring such stories of faith that make a difference in the Church and society.
A small contribution of US$5 will support us continue our mission…
William J. Grimm
Publisher
UCA News
Asian Bishops
Latest News
UCA News Catholic Dioceses in Asia
UCA News Catholic Dioceses in Asia
UCA News Catholic Dioceses in Asia