Manila
Philippine lawmakers this week started impeachment proceedings against President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo, saying she “cheated and lied” her way to power. Arroyo stands accused of having interfered in the May 2004 election by discussing the vote count with election officials before she was declared the winner. She had earlier said she would welcome an impeachment trial to clear her name. But now, in a move some analysts describe as an attempt to change the subject, Arroyo has called for a complete overhaul of the government, from a U.S.–style presidential system to a European-style parliamentary system. Under the European model, parliament could vote out a government at any time, which could prevent the sort of popular revolts that have toppled two presidents since 1986 and threaten Arroyo now.
The Week
Escape your echo chamber. Get the facts behind the news, plus analysis from multiple perspectives.
Sign up for The Week's Free Newsletters
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
-
Revisionism and division: Franco’s legacy five decades onIn The Spotlight Events to mark 50 years since Franco’s death designed to break young people’s growing fascination with the Spanish dictator
-
Did Cop30 fulfil its promise to Indigenous Brazilians?Today’s Big Question Brazilian president approves 10 new protected territories, following ‘unprecedented’ Indigenous presence at conference, both as delegates and protesters
-
The best Christmas theatre shows across the UKThe Week Recommends Tip-top festive ballets, plays and comedies to book up now
