Railroaded?

During the suspension, Caloocan Bishop Deogracias Iñiguez handed over to De Venecia his petition to allow the presentation of evidence relevant to the impeachment case. De Venecia gave it to House Majority Floor Leader Prospero Nograles who transmitted the paper to justice committee chair Simeon Datumanong.

“But whoever loses still has enough time to go the plenary session on Tuesday for the presentation of the committee report,” De Venecia told reporters.

However, he also said that the result of today’s hearing is “indicative” of the vote on Aug. 22, when the committee will report its decision to the plenary for either adoption or rejection.

Bayan Muna Rep. Satur Ocampo said that it could be true “if they want to railroad the proceeding.”

Even before the voting, Albay Rep. Edcel Lagman already referred to the complaint as “dead on arrival.”

Protest

Outside the Session Hall, pro-impeachment supporters held an instant protest together with the minority congressmen.

Members of the Special Action Force tried to stop some angry protesters resulting to a squabble. One policeman complained of slight rip on his uniform while a protester showed a broken watch.

After singing “Bayan Ko,” the protesters ended the night by lighting candles at the grounds, in front of the flagpole at the Batasan compound.

Earlier, Fr. Joe Dizon, spokesman of the “Gloria Step Down Movement,” called for civil disobedience if the complaint would be dismissed.

Dizon said the call is morally justified because the impeachment complaint was dismissed only because the minority does not have the numbers. Bulatlat

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