MANILA, Philippines — The House of
Representatives justice committee declared to junk three impeachment raps
lodged against President Benigno Aquino III, declaring it “insufficient in
substance.”
The three
complaints were overwhelmingly voted 54-4 in all three impeachment complaints
and decided to dismiss the case against the President. Those who
voted for the three complaints were Bayan Muna Representatives Colmenares and
Carlos Zarate, and Gabriela Representatives Luz Ilagan and Emmi De Jesus.
“Noong panahon ni Arroyo, the impeachment
complaints against her reached three to four hearings. Kay President Aquino,
two hearings. Are you rushing this?” Aquino told the panel chairman Iloilo Rep.
Niel Tupas Jr.
Tupas said the committee will set up a
report on the dismissal to be referred to the plenary for approval.
“It can be reversed, but I think is a
reflection of the sentiment of the entire House,” Tupas said.
Rep. Neri
Colmenares of Bayan Muna, expressed his dismay at the committee’s decision to
railroad the “death” of the impeachment complaint.
“Nakakadismaya ang ginawa ng Kongreso na
pinatay agad ang impeachment complaint (The Congress’ junking of the
impeachment complaint is disappointing). This is a terrible day for
accountability, a terrible day for the Filipino people,” the militant solon
said.
Two of
the complaints filed against the President alleged that Aquino committed a
culpable violation of the Constitution and betrayal of public trust in
connection with his implementation of the Disbursement Acceleration Program
(DAP). The third complaint also alleged culpable violation of the Constitution
with regard to the Aquino administration's signing of the Enhanced Defense
Cooperation Agreement (EDCA) with the US.
However, the complaint failed to reach
the floor in time for the committee referral of the first three complaints.
