Philippines’ President Aquino survives impeachment move

September 02, 2014 01:22 pm | Updated 01:22 pm IST - Manila

The Philippine Congress on Tuesday dismissed three impeachment complaints against President Benigno Aquino for lack of evidence.

Two said he betrayed public trust with an economic stimulus programme that was ruled unconstitutional by the Supreme Court in July. The third complaint was over an agreement to allow more US troops to stay in the Philippines.

The justice committee of the House of Representatives ruled that the complaints were “not sufficient in substance,” said Congressman Neil Tupas, who headed the proceedings.

Activists supporting the impeachment move shouted “Shame on you!”, as lawmakers voted in a session open to the public, before they were removed by security.

“This is a terrible day for the Filipino people,” said Congressman Neri Colmenares, who endorsed one of the complaints. “We had a legitimate right to file the complaint.” Congressman Miro Quimbo, who voted against, said the facts of the charges did not show that Mr. Aquino’s actions were impeachable.

“Not all acts that are declared unconstitutional are impeachable,” he said. “If that was the case, no official will act to solve the country’s problems.”

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