Philippine President under fire

A former ally of the Philippine President who now backs the opposition's tenacious attempts to oust her, claimed yesterday that lawmakers were bribed to block last year's impeachment bid.

Former House of Representatives Speaker Jose de Venecia made his comments before a congressional committee considering an impeachment complaint against President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo for alleged corruption, abuse of power and constitutional violations.

Although the impeachment is widely expected to be shot down - just like three others in recent years - de Venecia's tirade could add to political tensions involving economic difficulties, fresh coup rumours and the dominant Roman Catholic Church's criticism of Arroyo's Administration on issues including corruption.