Arroyo opponents turn to impeachment

MANILA – Opponents of President Gloria Arroyo admitted yesterday that street protests were unlikely to topple the Philippine leader but said they believe they can win enough support to impeach her in Congress over a political scandal.

Some 30 000-35 000 people packed the Makati financial district on Wednesday to demand the president quit over claims she stole the 2004 election. But the turnout was lower than organisers had hoped.”I don’t think you are going to get her out with all of these rallies that we are holding,” said senior opposition Congressman Ronaldo Zamora.But Zamora said they might have enough numbers to vote for impeachment because some of Arroyo’s allies in Congress had changed sides.”Basically, for the first time, the numbers are moving towards our direction.We will be starting the impeachment process with a really substantial number,” he said.Arroyo ally Congressman Joey Salceda, quoted in the Philippine Daily Inquirer, said the opposition was already assured of 73 of the required 79 votes to hear the impeachment complaint.Share prices closed 1,37 per cent higher yesterday after political uncertainty subsided.”It looks like yesterday’s rally, though exceptionally well produced, did not get the numbers.It has somehow eased the uncertainty that Mrs Arroyo would just walk away because of a mass uprising,” said Nestor Aguilao of DA Market Securities.Arroyo vowed that street protests will not drive her from office.”If they want unrest in the street, I will enforce the law.I will stop any violence.If they want to subvert the constitution, I will fight them every step of the way,” she said in a speech aired over government radio.- Nampa-AFPBut the turnout was lower than organisers had hoped.”I don’t think you are going to get her out with all of these rallies that we are holding,” said senior opposition Congressman Ronaldo Zamora.But Zamora said they might have enough numbers to vote for impeachment because some of Arroyo’s allies in Congress had changed sides.”Basically, for the first time, the numbers are moving towards our direction.We will be starting the impeachment process with a really substantial number,” he said.Arroyo ally Congressman Joey Salceda, quoted in the Philippine Daily Inquirer, said the opposition was already assured of 73 of the required 79 votes to hear the impeachment complaint.Share prices closed 1,37 per cent higher yesterday after political uncertainty subsided.”It looks like yesterday’s rally, though exceptionally well produced, did not get the numbers.It has somehow eased the uncertainty that Mrs Arroyo would just walk away because of a mass uprising,” said Nestor Aguilao of DA Market Securities.Arroyo vowed that street protests will not drive her from office.”If they want unrest in the street, I will enforce the law.I will stop any violence.If they want to subvert the constitution, I will fight them every step of the way,” she said in a speech aired over government radio.- Nampa-AFP