Impeachment looms

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.

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