Arroyo seen winning key vote, but troubles remain
(Reuters)
Updated: 2005-09-04 15:21

The Congress committee voted to take up the weakest of the three complaints accusing Arroyo of trying to fix last year's elections and quickly dismissed it as inadequate.

The opposition walked out of the impeachment hearing on Tuesday complaining the process was being railroaded and warned it could take its protests against Arroyo to the streets.

Protests against Arroyo in recent months have been relatively small, but it remains to be seen whether opposition claims that the impeachment process was unfair have sparked broader anger.

"It's ripe again for more massive street action than before," said Earl Parreno of the Institute for Political and Electoral Reforms.

CHURCH ON SIDELINES

The political storm began more than two months ago when the opposition produced recordings it said were of Arroyo talking to an polling official after last year's election.

Arroyo, who has denied any wrongdoing, appeared to be losing her presidency in early July after desertions by key allies, but has since used her formidable political machinery to fight back.

The stance of the Roman Catholic Church, a powerful force in the predominantly Catholic country of 85 million, has previously been crucial in determining the outcome of political crises.

A Church spokeswoman said there did not appear to much prospect of intervention this time, particularly after the death in June of Cardinal Jaime Sin, a driving force behind two "People Power" revolts that ousted presidents in 1986 and 2001.

"Even among bishops there has not been one voice," said Peachy Yamsuan.

The Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines rejected calls in July for Arroyo to step down, but added that she should not just dismiss such calls.

The chief of the Philippine army, another key player in previous crises, expressed concern on Friday over potential unrest but pledged it would not take sides.

"We are monitoring. That's our duty," Generoso Senga told reporters.

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