[JURIST] Philippine President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo [official bio] used her majority in Congress Tuesday to frustrate opposition attempts to impeach [JURIST report] her. The opposition is attempting to consolidate three separate impeachment complaints to one strong case, while the majority has pushed to eliminate all but one weak charge. The complaints center on the rigging of last year's presidential election, when Arroyo succeed former president Joseph Estrada [Wikipedia profile]. The opposition may still force a trial by gathering the votes of one-third of the House, resulting in a trial in the Senate. Despite difficulties with impeachment [Philippine Star backgrounder], political observers believe Arroyo is still vulnerable because of low popularity ratings and possible economic chill resulting from increased oil prices and rising taxes. Reuters has more. The Philippine Daily Inquirer has local coverage.

Previously in JURIST's Paper Chase...

• Arroyo denies witness claim of bribery, threatens lawsuit
• Opposition lawmakers file impeachment complaint against Arroyo
• At least 50 Filipino lawmakers support Arroyo impeachment
• Opposition announces plans for criminal charges ahead of impeachment for Arroyo
• Philippines president "welcomes" impeachment motion to clear vote fraud