Opposition announces plans for criminal charges ahead of impeachment for Arroyo News
Opposition announces plans for criminal charges ahead of impeachment for Arroyo

[JURIST] Opposition legislators in the Philippines said Tuesday that they plan to file criminal charges against President Gloria Arroyo [official website] in connection with allegations of election fraud and corruption. Arroyo previously said she would "welcome" impeachment [JURIST report] as an opportunity to clear her name, and doesn't appear to be wavering [JURIST report] in the face of increasing opposition. She has announced plans to set up an independent panel to investigate the accusations. A controversial audio tape [Manila Sun-Star report] allegedly documents Arroyo planning to fix the 2004 national election, and her husband has gone into voluntary exile [International Herald Tribune report] amidst allegations that he took money from gambling bosses. The US objects to any unconstitutional method [JURIST report] to remove Arroyo from office. AP has more.

THIS DAY @ LAW

Laws of Burgos put into effect

The Spanish Crown put the Laws of Burgos into effect on December 27, 1512. These laws governed the relationship of Spanish settlers with the indigenous peoples of the Caribbean. The laws established the encomienda system of labor, promoted conversion to Catholicism, and safeguarded the indigenous peoples from physical abuse.  However, historians argue that the laws were ineffective at protecting the rights of the indigenous population. Learn more from the Library of Congress.

Prohibitionist Carrie Nation carried out her first public bar smashing

On December 27, 1900, militant Prohibitionist Carrie Nation carried out her first public smashing of a bar, at the Carey Hotel in Wichita, Kansas. Nation argued that destroying bars was an acceptable means of battling the liquor trade since the Kansas Constitution prohibited alcohol. Learn more about Carrie Nation.

World Bank created

On December 27, 1944, the World Bank was created during the United Nations Monetary and Financial Conference in Bretton Woods, New Hampshire, USA. Learn more about the history of the World Bank.