Philippines' anti-graft chief impeached
Source: Agencies |
March 23, 2011, Wednesday
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PHILIPPINE lawmakers yesterday overwhelmingly impeached the country's chief corruption investigator, long accused of protecting the country's former president from prosecution.
The move could clear the way for former President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo, as well as top generals and other officials, to face graft charges.
Ombudsman Merceditas Gutierrez has been accused of failing to investigate allegations against those in power in a nation long gripped by crushing poverty.
After a lengthy debate, 212 lawmakers from the powerful House of Representatives voted to impeach Gutierrez.
Ruling coalition allies of President Benigno Aquino III broke into applause and raised their fists as the votes were announced after the nationally televised session, which lasted into the early hours of yesterday. Arroyo, now a House member, led 46 lawmakers in voting against the impeachment.
After her impeachment in the lower House, Gutierrez will now be tried in the 23-member Senate, which will act as a court when it reopens in May following a monthlong break.
Gutierrez, who was justice secretary during Arroyo's presidency, was accused by several left-wing activists and complainants of betraying public trust when she allegedly mishandled cases and failed to go after Arroyo and other top officials.
Gutierrez denied the allegations, saying the impeachment complaints against her were pursued by a lawmaker who was being investigated by her office for alleged graft.
The move could clear the way for former President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo, as well as top generals and other officials, to face graft charges.
Ombudsman Merceditas Gutierrez has been accused of failing to investigate allegations against those in power in a nation long gripped by crushing poverty.
After a lengthy debate, 212 lawmakers from the powerful House of Representatives voted to impeach Gutierrez.
Ruling coalition allies of President Benigno Aquino III broke into applause and raised their fists as the votes were announced after the nationally televised session, which lasted into the early hours of yesterday. Arroyo, now a House member, led 46 lawmakers in voting against the impeachment.
After her impeachment in the lower House, Gutierrez will now be tried in the 23-member Senate, which will act as a court when it reopens in May following a monthlong break.
Gutierrez, who was justice secretary during Arroyo's presidency, was accused by several left-wing activists and complainants of betraying public trust when she allegedly mishandled cases and failed to go after Arroyo and other top officials.
Gutierrez denied the allegations, saying the impeachment complaints against her were pursued by a lawmaker who was being investigated by her office for alleged graft.
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