2011-03-22 13:52

MANILA, Philippines - Philippine lawmakers impeached the country's chief anti-corruption investigator Tuesday in a move that could clear the way to prosecute the country's former president.

Ombudsman Merceditas Gutierrez has been accused of failing to investigate allegations against former President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo, top generals and other officials for alleged graft in a nation long gripped by crushing poverty.

After a lengthy debate, 212 lawmakers from the powerful House of Representatives voted to impeach Gutierrez.

Ruling coalition allies of President Benigno Aquino III broke into applause and raised their fists as the votes were announced after the nationally televised session, which lasted into the early hours of Tuesday.

Arroyo, now a House member, led 46 lawmakers in voting against the impeachment. The former president, looking dejected, walked alone out of the flag-draped plenary hall, once the bedrock of her power.

After her impeachment in the lower House, Gutierrez will now be tried in the 23-member Senate, which will act as a court when it reopens in May following a monthlong break.

"If we take out the ombudsman, then the way is clear for an even fight to prosecute Arroyo," said Risa Hontiveros, an Aquino ally who was among those who filed impeachment complaints against Gutierrez.

The 258-strong lower chamber, which consists mainly of local millionaires and scions of political dynasties, has long been considered a bastion of the country's corrupt and chaotic politics.

"There are only a few moments when we can be proud to be members of this House," said left-wing Rep. Teodoro Casino. "This is one of them."

Gutierrez, who was justice secretary during Arroyo's presidency, was accused by several left-wing activists and complainants of betraying public trust when she allegedly mishandled cases and failed to go after Arroyo, Arroyo's husband, top generals and other officials for alleged graft.

Gutierrez denied the allegations and made an unsuccessful bid to prod the Supreme Court to stop the House impeachment proceedings.