MANILA - PHILIPPINE lawmakers overwhelmingly impeached on Tuesday the country's chief corruption investigator, long accused of protecting the country's former president from prosecution.
The move could clear the way for former President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo, as well as top generals and other officials, to face graft charges.
Ombudsman Merceditas Gutierrez has been accused of failing to investigate allegations against those in power in a nation long gripped by crushing poverty.
After a lengthy debate, 212 lawmakers from the powerful House of Representatives voted to impeach Gutierrez.
Ruling coalition allies of President Benigno Aquino III broke into applause and raised their fists as the votes were announced after the nationally televised session, which lasted into the early hours of Tuesday.
Mrs Arroyo, now a House member, led 46 lawmakers in voting against the impeachment. The former president, looking dejected, walked alone out of the flag-draped plenary hall, once the bedrock of her power. -- AP
