MANILA, Philippines -- The lawmaker allegedly involved in the supposed bribery attempt by Malacañang of members of the House of Representatives has declared that she would not inhibit from the impeachment proceedings at the lower chamber.
“I will not inhibit,” said Deputy Speaker Amelita Villarosa Wednesday during the resumption of the hearing on the impeachment complaints filed against President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo.
Villarosa issued her statement despite calls by members of the House minority for her to do so.
On Monday, Bayan Muna partylist Representative Teodoro Casiño, one of the endorsers of the impeachment complaint, asked the justice committee to disqualify from the hearing those who have admitted involvement in last year's alleged bribery by Malacañang, which is one of the charges leveled against the President in the complaint.
Villarosa admitted distributing money to at least two congressmen.
Gabriela partylist Representative Liza Maza said Villarosa's participation in the hearing "will give a dark spot in the process of this impeachment."