Opposition has no solid vote on GMA impeach raps

MANILA, Philippines – Two stalwarts of the opposition bloc in the House of Representatives have admitted that there would be no solid vote from their ranks if the impeachment complaint against President Arroyo pushes through.

“This was not like in 2005 when we were solid, and in 2006 there were a few who supported the impeachment case. But now, it’s a different ball game,” said Deputy Minority Leader Roilo Golez, one of the designated spokesmen in the opposition.

Golez and Bayan Muna Rep. Satur Ocampo, also a deputy minority leader, believed that this fourth impeachment complaint would most likely suffer the same fate as that of the three others in 2005, 2006, and 2007 “for lack of merit.”

What the 28-man minority bloc is more concerned about, Golez said, is that the House rules on impeachment be complied with, and that they be given a fair chance, even if it would eventually lead to a dismissal.

The complainants, led by businessman Jose de Venecia III, should be given the chance to “explain the substance and merits of their impeachment complaint.”

“What we want is the impeachment complaint should not be summarily dismissed,” Ocampo added. Golez said the belated and unnecessary endorsement of former Speaker Jose de Venecia Jr. on his son’s complaint was “not a decisive impact” that would change things for the better, unless he campaigns for it.

Ocampo agreed that members of the opposition are divided on the issue.

De Venecia challenged Lakas-CMD party leaders to sanction him for endorsing the impeachment complaint against the President.

Quezon City Rep. Matias Defensor, chairman of the House committee on justice, is now readying his panel for the start of hearing on the form and substance of the impeachment complaint on Nov. 18. – Delon Porcalla