NR0209: Impeachment raps won't prosper

Mula sa Tanggapan ni Anakpawis Rep. Crispin Beltran
News Release February 9, 2005
House of Representatives, South Wing Rm 602
931-6615 Ina Alleco R. Silverio, Chief of Staff
Email: paggawa@edsamail.com.ph, anakpawis2003@yahoo.com
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Pres. Arroyo's allies in Congress won't entertain impeachment raps vs PGMA,
but moves for the president's ouster have a good chance of succeeding

Anakpawis Representative Crispin Beltran today said that on principle, if
impeachment raps against President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo in the House of
Representatives, he would support the move.

"But knowing the composition of the House right now, and where the loyalties
and allegiances of majority of the solons lie, it's highly unlikely that
impeachment raps against the president would prosper.It would not be the first
time that an impeachment complaint against the President Arroyo would be
submitted to Congress, the last time was only two years ago," he said.

The veteran labor leader turned lawmaker said that the basis for calling for the
impeachment of President Arroyo have long been established, "But her allies in
Congress and the Senate have turned their eyes and their backs on these
offenses, and many have been aided and abetted these offenses and made them
legal and official," he said. He said that among these offenses were allowing
US troops in the country in an endless series of Balikatan exercises, and
allowing them to fight and patrol alongside the Armed Forces of the
Philippines (AFP). He also said that the string of scandals and controversies
surrounding the corrupt dealings of First Gentleman Mike Arroyo can and should
also he held against the President, as these corrupt dealings could never have
taken place and approved without the executive's imprimatur.

Beltran said that if the chances of an impeachment complaint against Pres.
Arroyo would flounder fail, the chances of the president being booted out of
office via People Power were healthy.

"Pres. Arroyo would never step down on her own volition and her allies will not
let her be impeached; but the Filipino people sickened and disgusted by her
administration are already calling for her ouster. Pres. Arroyo's so-called
revenue-generating measures including the notorious new and increased taxe are
not making her a beloved of the masses. Pres. Arroyo may very well face the
same fate as her predecessor ex-president Joseph Estrada who was ousted via
massive protests," he said.

He said that Sen. Aquilino Pimentel's virtual call for the president's
impeachment was a strong commendation, and strengthens the determination of
political groups and forces to call for President Arroyo's ouster.#