[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.