By PRINCE GOLEZ
Manila Reporter
MANILA — Three impeachment complaints filed against President Benigno Aquino III were “sufficient in form,” the House justice committee has declared.
Two of them assailed the use of the Disbursement Acceleration Program.
One was endorsed by Bayan Muna’s representatives Neri Colmenares and Carlos Zarate and Anakpawis’ Rep. Fernando Hicap, while the other, by Rep. Terry Ridon of Kabataan party-list.
The third complaint stemmed from the signing of the Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement between the Philippine and the United States governments.
Rep. Emmi de Jesus of Gabriela party-list and Rep. Antonio Tinio of ACT Teachers party-list endorsed it.
Another impeachment complaint — over the alleged “hidden” congressional pork barrel in this year’s national budget — was not considered by the justice committee.
It had been barred under the “one year bar” rule in the Constitution, Rep. Niel Tupas Jr. of Iloilo’s 5th District, committee chair, told Panay News.
“After the three complaints were referred to the committee, the subsequent complaints were already barred,” he explained.
“Complaint 1 got 53 votes in favor and one against. Complaint 2 had 42 votes in favor, seven against and four abstentions, while Complaint 3, unanimous vote,” he told this paper in a text message.
Tupas said his committee will determine the “sufficiency in substance” of the three impeachment complaints on Sept. 2./PN
