[Straits Times] PHILIPPINE politicians on Tuesday launched impeachment proceedings against the country's top graft prosecutor over allegations she stood aside as ex-leader Gloria Arroyo stole public funds.The House of Representatives justice committee voted to recommend that parliament begin a formal proceeding to remove Ombudsman Merceditas Gutierrez from her post, its chairman Neil Tupas said.
'The committee of justice finds the existence of probable cause to impeach Ms Merceditas Gutierrez for betrayal of public trust,' Mr Tupas said at the end of the public hearing, which aired live on national television.
The House, the lower house of parliament, is expected to vote next week on the committee's recommendation, Mr Tupas said.
Ninety-four votes in the 282-member chamber would send the impeachment complaint to the Senate, the upper chamber, whose 24 members would sit as judges.
Ms Gutierrez, who was once justice minister in Arroyo's cabinet, had been accused by Mrs Arroyo's foes of failing to pursue officials suspected of large-scale corruption during her boss's nine-year rule.