Hundreds of protesters march to House

Hundreds of protesters marched to the House of Representatives in Quezon City yesterday, denouncing an alleged plan by President Arroyo’s allies in the House of Representatives to dismiss impeachment charges against her.

The House committee on justice, dominated by pro-Arroyo lawmakers, may cast a crucial vote this week whether to accept or trash the opposition’s main charges against Mrs. Arroyo, including her alleged rigging of last year’s election, corruption and bribery, according to both camps.

The committee was to resume debate on the charges late yesterday.

Opposition lawmakers and left-wing groups warned of massive protests and a possible new "people power" revolt if pro-Arroyo lawmakers kill charges on a technicality.

The charges have set off Mrs. Arroyo’s worst political crisis and persistent coup rumors.

Dozens of left-wing activists, wearing monkey masks, rallied near the House’s main gate on Batasan Road, carrying placards that read: "Impeach Gloria! No more monkey business."

About 1,000 other protesters, including opposition lawmakers and politicians, heard Mass at the St. Peter’s Parish along Commonwealth Avenue and marched toward the House, which was secured by anti-riot police.

The Mass was celebrated by Novaliches Bishop Antonio Tobias.

In his homily, Tobias appealed for unity in seeking the truth through the impeachment process.

"It’s time to put our acts together (for) while we have different positions, President Arroyo will remain in power and will not step down," he said.

"The overwhelming majority of Filipinos demand that the truth be heard," said Father Joe Dizon, a leader of the left-wing Gloria Step Down movement.

"To kill the impeachment complaint is to kill the truth. The administration has been killing us softly and slowly with their shameless maneuvers in Congress."

Dizon said if the lawmakers could not perform their duties as prosecutors and judges, the people must come out to prosecute and judge Mrs. Arroyo — in the streets.

"We want to remind our legislators that the people are watching," he said.

"If they do not uphold the truth and justice, if they do not stand by the interest of the people, the power of the people will again prove to be the most effective means to push for a change in government."

Movie star Susan Roces, widow of Fernando Poe Jr., also attended the Mass.

Bayan secretary general Renato Reyes said a "people power" revolt may not immediately erupt, but that Mrs. Arroyo should expect a "September storm if the impeachment is killed this week."

Killing the impeachment complaint could worsen, rather than ease, Mrs. Arroyo’s crisis, as the protests would escalate, he added.

Manila Rep. Rodolfo Bacani, a pro-Arroyo lawmaker who later backed efforts to impeach her, said her dominant allies in Congress plan to kill the impeachment charges by voting to dismiss them over a technicality as early as Tuesday, before she makes separate trips to Saudi Arabia and the United States next month.

San Juan Rep. Ronaldo Zamora said he and other opposition lawmakers should at least be allowed to present their evidence and let Mrs. Arroyo answer. — Katherine Adraneda, AP