Tupas committee junks impeach raps Treñas: It’s justified

BY PRINCE GOLEZ
Manila Reporter

MANILA – The very purpose of the complaints seeking the impeachment of President Benigno Aquino III was to “harass” him, said Iloilo City’s Rep. Jerry Treñas.

The three ouster complaints were found insufficient in substance by the House Committee on Justice led by Rep. Niel Tupas Jr. of Iloilo’s 5th District.

Noting that cases against the Disbursement Acceleration Program (DAP) and the Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement (EDCA) are still pending before the Supreme Court, Treñas said the three impeachment raps were “premature.”

“It is too obvious that the complaints were meant to discredit the President and his unprecedented accomplishments in carrying out all the reforms needed to fight corruption and defeat poverty,” said the Ilonggo legislator in a statement.

He defended the government’s economic stimulus package, saying it was used “for public good.”

Treñas admitted receiving an additional P50 million in DAP funds. It was used for the construction of “farm-to-market” road in Jaro district in Iloilo City, he said.

“The provisions of the Administrative Code that was the basis of the DAP have never been questioned and have not been declared unconstitutional by the Supreme Court. The complaints are absolutely baseless,” said Treñas.

Meanwhile, Rep. Tupas told Panay News they will submit the House justice committee report regarding their decision on the Aquino impeachment complaints.

The plenary will still vote for or against our report, said Tupas in a phone interview.

According to him, “one-third or around 98” votes are needed to overturn their decision.

But Tupas said he is “confident” the plenary will affirm his committee report.

What happens if the plenary votes to overturn?

“If ever that happens, the committee will prepare the articles of impeachment,” said Tupas./PN