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Philippine house speaker ousted after graft scandal
Philippine House Speaker Jose de Venecia was ousted late on Monday amid charges of corruption levelled against the government by his son.
- Agencies
- Published: 09:54 February 5, 2008
Manila: Philippine House Speaker Jose de Venecia was ousted late on Monday amid charges of corruption levelled against the government by his son.
The move is seen as strengthening President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo's control over the House of Representatives where her allies have a large majority.
The vote to remove de Venecia followed a scandal last year when his son Joey de Venecia III alleged kickbacks in a $330 million government telecoms deal with China.
"They are getting back at my father because they can't get me," Joey de Venecia, who was one of the contenders for the deal, said.
An official denied any wrongdoing and instead blamed the speaker. "What is clear is that he has burned his bridges with the President," said Justice Secretary Raul Gonzalez.
Prospero Nograles, a lawmaker from the southern city of Davao, was elected to replace Venecia, who has held the post for 12 years.
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