|
Blast at Philippine Congress
13/11/2007 18:07 - (SA)
Manila - A "powerful" explosion ripped through the lobby of the Philippine Congress building on Tuesday evening, injuring at least six people, police and lawmakers said.
Three members of the House of Representatives were among those hurt in the blast, which occurred shortly after session ended, colleagues said.
The other victims were staff members.
Police said the explosion triggered a fire at the House of Representatives building in the Manila suburban city of Quezon. The cause was also not yet known.
Congressman Joel Villanueva said the blast shook the sprawling Congress compound.
"The explosion was powerful," he told a Manila radio station. "We were on the other side of the building and we still felt the place shake."
The blast happened as the House of Representatives was hearing a new impeachment complaint against President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo over allegations of bribery and corruption.
Arroyo's relation with House Speaker Jose De Venecia has also been strained after De Venecia's son linked the president and her husband to a bribery scandal involving an anomalous government contract.
Congresswoman Liza Maza said she was at her office on the second floor when the explosion occurred.
"After we heard the explosion, we saw one car on fire just outside the lobby," she said. - Sapa-dpa
- SAPA
|
News
