Opposition lawmakers huddle after losing their move to impeach President Arroyo in the House of Representatives on Wednesday.
The latest impeachment complaint against President Arroyo was struck down by the House justice committee via a 42-8 vote declaring it insufficient in substance.
Considering the dominance of the President's allies in the lower house, I was not surprised that the impeachment complaint would be junked. But I find it quite disheartening that it all comes down to a "numbers game" despite the numerous controversies hounding the Arroyo administration.
This is the fourth time an impeachment complaint was lodged against the President and was subsequently dismissed. It was filed on Oct. 13, 2008 by no less than ZTE-whistleblower Jose de Venecia III (the former Speaker's son). It is based on the anomalies and irregularities President Arroyo is accused of.
These include: the graft-tainted $329 million NBN-ZTE deal, the Palace's alleged bribery of congressmen to protect her from impeachment in 2007, the P728 million fertlizer fund scam, the controversial and allegedly overpriced NorthRail project, the "grossly disadvantageous" Mt. Diwalwal mining project, extrajudicial killings, human rights violations and enforced disapperances, vote-rigging in the 2004 elections, and the "Hello Garci" scandal.
As the 42 congressmen raised their hands one by one to kill the impeachment complaint, I cannot help but think about the families of victims of extrajudicial killings and enforced disappearnces.
I cannot help but think about the poor farmers who should've been the recipients of the fertilzer fund that went instead to the coffers of Arroyo and allies in the 2004 elections.
I cannot help but think about the hundreds of small-scale miners who have been displaced because of the Mt. Diwalwal contract.
I cannot help but think about the $329 million (roughly P17 billion) that could've been used to build homes, schools, and hospitals.
Today was a very heartbreaking day, but journalists have to have a high threshold for toxicity in order to report news that is fair and accurate.
But when I don't have to write the news, I want erring public officials, especially the highest in the land, to be held culpable. I clamor for the truth and I clamor for justice. And I am sure I echo the sentiments of many.
Posted 11:27 PM