Philippine lawmakers at the House of Representatives Friday accused the resigned cabinet members of sabotaging the economy by alleging President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo influenced the Supreme Court to issue an injunction on the expanded value added tax (EVAT) law.

The Philippine News Agency quoted the lawmakers as saying the action of the resigned cabinet members are destabilizing the economy.

"We condemn the adventurism displayed by a few members of the cabinet who have abandoned their oaths of office and made themselves susceptible to the promptings of destabilization," they said.

Ten cabinet members led by former finance secretary Cesar Purisima announced their resignation en masse Friday morning and called on Arroyo to resign over allegations of election fraud.

The lawmakers said the erstwhile cabinet members only want to preserve their present position.

"Acting out of self-preservation, they have shamelessly abandoned the duly-elected president and abandoned the course of sweeping reforms for the country's welfare, jumping off the ship at the first sign of a turbulent storm," they said.

Meanwhile, Philippine Senator Richard Gordon Friday slammed and branded "turncoats" groups calling for the resignation of President Arroyo.

Gordon also invoked the rule of law in solving the crisis hounding the country and described as illegal and against the process calling her to step down.

He said that the Liberal Party, headed by Senate President Franklin Drilon has changed its position only weeks after it had thrown its support to the president.

"It looks like every time the wind changes direction, position also changes. A couple of weeks ago the Liberal Party was wrapped around the president in Malacanang (presidential palace), saying that they were going to stand by her. But today, what we have seen, " Gordon told reporters.

He stressed that forcing President Arroyo to resign is illegal and against the rule of law and the Constitution.

"If she resigns, that's fine with me if it's voluntary because that is part of the process. But if we will force a resignation, we are violating the Constitution. What else is left with us if the Constitution is violated? Even the worst killer is entitled to a fair trial," Gordon explained.

The Liberal Party, which was an ally of Arroyo in the Congress led by Senate President Drilon, announced its break with the president Friday.

Source: Xinhua