TWENTY-EIGHT people, including prominent activists and a retired bishop, filed an impeachment complaint against Philippines President Benigno Aquino III today.

The complaint targets Mr Aquino for his implementation of a major economic stimulus programme that the Supreme Court has declared partly unconstitutional.

It accuses the president of culpable violation of the constitution and betrayal of public trust by funding projects outside the Congress-approved annual budget. 

Lawmakers from three left-wing political parties endorsed the grievance, making it the first valid impeachment complaint against Mr Aquino.

It is unclear, however, whether it will get enough support in a Congress dominated by Aquino allies.

Mr Aquino claims that under the Disbursement Acceleration Programme, government savings and non-allotted revenues were used to provide electricity to remote villages, build schools and finance other projects.

He has insisted his administration acted in good faith and the money was not stolen, as alleged by critics.