Impeachment Redux: What Citizens Can Do

Posted on by

Opposition congressmen Francis Escudero and Gilbert Remulla announced in a foreign media meeting that the opposition will file an impeachment case against Gloria Arroyo with at least 79 endorsers, so that it can immediately be sent to the Senate. The charges will be the same as what was filed last year (which was junked by the pro-Arroyo majority).

The so-called middle forces should now concentrate on helping the opposition in this endeavour. It should indulge less on harping and protesting and instead focus on this constitutional move. Already, Philippine Commentary hopes that the charge of violation of Republic Act 4200 (The Anti-Wiretapping Act) be included in the impeachment case. This action should be emulated by those who believe Arroyo should be impeached.

How can we help in this action?

  • If you think Arroyo should be impeached, talk/write to your congressman, and tell him that you want him/her to support the impeachment case by signing as an endorser. These representatives should begin to listen to the people that they represent. This is the most important action that any pro-impeachment citizen should do.
  • If you were a witness to election cheating, talk to a lawyer if your testimony and/or evidence will help the impeachment.
  • Law/lawyer groups should help the opposition at the House of Representatives in drafting the complaint.
  • The impeachment complaint, once drafted, should be open for all to comment on. This way, possible flaws, loopholes, and unsubstantiated complaints could be corrected or stricken out.

These are just some suggestions on my part. What do you suggest we can do?

2 thoughts on “Impeachment Redux: What Citizens Can Do”

  1. These are great suggestions, although I guess too much involvement of everyone will only hinder the process. Also, if you think you want to become a witness, you must be absolutely sure of what you’re doing. The witnesses who came forward are eating death threats for breakfast.

  2. Yeah, too many cooks and all of that. I guess we should refine that. But if the political opposition go at it alone, they will be accused again of “blundering”. Is the opposition lacking a leader, or there are so many leaders?

    As for witnesses eating breakfasts, that’s unfortunate. That’s why I agree with Ambeth Ocampo: if Rizal is alive today, he would be shot again. No wonder our justice system goes nowhere.

    Let’s think more about what ordinary citizens can do. But calling their congressmen is the best action they can do.

Comments are closed.