Finally, the United Nations Security Council declared a ceasefire in Lebanon. Casualties during the war were some civilians residing in Lebanon and Hezbollah guerillas.

Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) were likewise affected by the war as some OFWs were compelled to return to the Philippines. Infrastructures worth millions of dollars were destroyed as a result of the Israeli air attacks in Lebanon.

In Israel, criticisms were hurled against the Prime Minister and his military chief. There are calls for the setting up of a commission of inquiry to probe into how the war was run.

* * * * *

Allies of President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo in the House committee on justice threw out Wednesday the second impeachment attempt against her.

The voting of the committee stood at 56-24 in favor of thrashing the impeachment complaint for lack of substance.

House Minority Leader Francis Escudero said: "We have presented our case in its complete form, but you have chosen not to hear the case."

* * * * *

The vote came after younger members of the House of Representatives like Rep. Escudero and Rep. Gilbert Remulla debated with older members of the House like Deputy Majority Leader Edcel Lagman.

* * * * *

The decision of the House committee on justice in a form of a formal report would be submitted to the House of Representatives during its plenary session next week.

* * * * *

The impeachment complaint filed by the Black and White Movement and indorsed by Liberal Party representatives, accused Mrs. Arroyo of culpable violation of the Constitution, graft and corruption and grave abuse of authority in connection with the 22 charges that included the stealing of the 2004 election, receiving illegal gambling payoffs, human rights abuses and political killings.

Mrs. Arroyo has denied any wrongdoing.

* * * * *

Allies of the President succeeded in preventing the opposition congressmen to present evidence to prove the allegations in the impeachment complaint. The opposition had readied boxes of evidence to be presented.

* * * * *

But Deputy Majority Leader Lagman said that the impeachment complaint was not being killed by the committee.

"It was already dead on arrival. What was brought before the committee on justice was a cadaver of a complaint," Lagman continued.

* * * * *

Complainants have to wait for another year to file another impeachment complaint.

Under the Constitution, only one impeachment complaint against an impeachable official can be entertained within a year. The only chance for the opposition to succeed in filing the impeachment bid is to increase the number of opposition congressmen in the House of Representatives.

That is why the 2007 elections would be the costliest and bloodiest elections to come in our country. Allies of the President would fight tooth and nail to maintain their majority in the House of Representatives. If the opposition would control the House, the likelihood would be that the President would be impeached. Certainly, the President would not wait for impeachment to proceed. She would do a Nixon.

* * * * *

If Charter Change would succeed, there would be no elections in 2007. But despite this grim scenario, people are busy talking about politics. Targets of the talks are boxing star Manny Pacquiao and actor Cesar Montano. Both are groomed to be the next vice mayor of the City of Manila. Manny has been eyed as the vice mayoralty bet of Alli Atienza, son of Mayor Lito Atienza while Cesar is groomed as the running mate of Manila Vice Mayor Danny Lacuna.

There are actors who became vice mayors of some cities in Metro Manila. To name a few, Herbert Bautista, incumbent vice mayor of Quezon City, and Edu Manzanu, former vice mayor of Makati City.

* * * * *

For comments and reactions, send mail to Atty. Jorge D. Cabalit, Cabalit Law Office, 74 Belderol Street, Tagbilaran City or send e-mail to: viewpoints@boholchronicle.com