'Noy impeachment an option'

MANILA, Philippines - President Aquino’s impeachment is one of the options the opposition at the House of Representatives is considering, according to a lawmaker.

However, Zambales Rep. Mitos Magsaysay told reporters any impeachment should be studied thoroughly and proper preparation must be made.

“Impeachment is one of our options, it’s the option of everybody,” she said. 

Speaking at the weekly Kapihan sa Annabel’s in Quezon City, Magsaysay said more than a year after Aquino assumed office, his administration has lost focus on vital concerns affecting the country in going after the alleged anomalies of the past administration and attacks on the Supreme Court.

“It’s frustrating when you wake up until you go to sleep the Arroyo and Corona issue dominates the news,” she said.

Magsaysay said Aquino should focus on the environment, peace and order and the rising oil prices affecting the life of every Filipino.

He should leave the investigation of the past administration to the Department of Justice and the Office of Ombudsman, she added.

Magsaysay said Aquino has not acted on urgent legislative measures and has not released the budget for countryside development fund of opposition lawmakers.

“The President has devoted 99 percent of his time in politics,” she said.

She was forced to cancel livelihood, scholarship and medical assistance program for teachers because of the delay of the release of her pork barrel, she added.

Magsaysay said Aquino is banking too much on his popularity approval rating but failed to translate it to the people’s benefit.