The Arroyo administration on Friday doused speculations that the visit of US Central Intelligence Agency chief Leon Panetta to the Philippines this weekend is linked to a possible declaration of martial law.
“That is part of the usual black propaganda against the administration. There is no factual basis at all to believe otherwise,” Press Secretary Cerge Remonde said in a press briefing.
Remonde said Panetta's visit is nothing more than an exchange of high level discussion on strengthening bilateral cooperation and enhancing capabilities in the sustained fight against international terrorism.
He said administration critics are now reading all sorts of malicious meaning into the visit of Panetta, where, in fact, “his visit is self evidently related to the ongoing war on terrorism.”
“The pattern is very clear. And this is really part of a sustained agitation propaganda campaign to demonize and vilify the President.” he said.
A Malacañang statement said Panetta is scheduled to arrive in Manila on Sunday morning and leave on the evening of the same day. Part of his schedule is to meet top officials of the Philippine National Police and the Armed Forces, including a courtesy call on the President.
Remonde said that the Panetta visit will be an opportunity for the Philippine government to discuss security issues and the country’s crucial role in the fight against terrorism.
Makati Mayor Jejomar Binay, United Opposition president, earlier warned the US government against backing any move by the Arroyo administration to declare martial law following a series of bombings in Mindanao and reports of terror threats in Metro Manila.
Binay issued the statement prior to the CIA chief's arrival on Sunday. “The bombings have resurrected fears of martial law, and the Arroyo administration can conveniently play the terror card in getting US support for declaring a state of emergency or even martial law,” he said in a statement.
“The US government will find itself again on the wrong side of history should it openly or implicitly support martial law,” Binay said.
In response to the terror threats in the metropolis, Binay had directed the city government to be vigilant, saying the country’s financial district remains a key target for all kinds of terror groups. With Business Mirror
as of 07/10/2009 10:56 PM
Full Version: Palace douses speculations on CIA chief’s visit
I think it is time to hang, shoot, and or deport all teror suspects where i live maybe the people of the philippines could do the same?
looks like these terrorists are more trouble that they are worth
i say hang them all, you don't need trash like that in your country & neither do we here
i'm sure that at least 1 member will have a problem with what i have said should be done with the crazy terorists but i don't really care, better to get rid of them now before they they kill hundreds or maybe even thousands
piglett
looks like these terrorists are more trouble that they are worth
i say hang them all, you don't need trash like that in your country & neither do we here
i'm sure that at least 1 member will have a problem with what i have said should be done with the crazy terorists but i don't really care, better to get rid of them now before they they kill hundreds or maybe even thousands
piglett
QUOTE
http://globalnation.inquirer.net/news/brea...-to-White-House
MANILA, Philippines—(UPDATE) President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo has accepted the invitation to meet with United States President Barack Obama in Washington DC on July 30, 2009, the Department of Foreign Affairs said in a statement Sunday.
The White House said Arroyo will become Southeast Asia's first leader to meet the 44th US President. The DFA said she was also the first Southeast Asian leader to talk to President Obama after his election.
“The visit to Washington DC is an affirmation of the strong partnership between the two countries that share historical and cultural ties and common democratic values,” the DFA said in a statement.
President Arroyo is expected to discuss “the Philippines’ poverty alleviation and economic resiliency programs, good governance, counter-terrorism efforts, and its contributions to peace and security in the region,” the DFA said.
The White House statement that announced the invitation said the two leaders will be “an opportunity to discuss ways to enhance US-Philippine cooperation on critical global issues including counter-terrorism and climate change, as well as further the traditionally strong alliance and bond between our nations.”
While in Washington DC, Arroyo will also meet with members of US Congress, other administration officials, the business sector, and the Filipino-American community, the DFA said.
Manila has remained a steadfast US ally in Southeast Asia, notably in Washington's efforts to root out extremists and terror cells.
In early June US Defense Secretary Robert Gates vowed stepped-up support for the Philippines in its battle against homegrown Islamic militant groups linked to Al-Qaeda.
The Philippines and United States are bound by a 1951 treaty that calls on each side to help the other in times of war.
US special forces advisers have trained and equipped their Philippine counterpart.
Diplomatic ties were strained after a US Marine who had participated in joint military exercises in the Philippines was convicted of raping a Filipino woman in 2006.
An appeals court overturned the decision early this year after the victim recanted her statement.
US troops have been rotating in the southern Philippines since 2003 for joint anti-terror training with their Filipino counterparts.
MANILA, Philippines—(UPDATE) President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo has accepted the invitation to meet with United States President Barack Obama in Washington DC on July 30, 2009, the Department of Foreign Affairs said in a statement Sunday.
The White House said Arroyo will become Southeast Asia's first leader to meet the 44th US President. The DFA said she was also the first Southeast Asian leader to talk to President Obama after his election.
“The visit to Washington DC is an affirmation of the strong partnership between the two countries that share historical and cultural ties and common democratic values,” the DFA said in a statement.
President Arroyo is expected to discuss “the Philippines’ poverty alleviation and economic resiliency programs, good governance, counter-terrorism efforts, and its contributions to peace and security in the region,” the DFA said.
The White House statement that announced the invitation said the two leaders will be “an opportunity to discuss ways to enhance US-Philippine cooperation on critical global issues including counter-terrorism and climate change, as well as further the traditionally strong alliance and bond between our nations.”
While in Washington DC, Arroyo will also meet with members of US Congress, other administration officials, the business sector, and the Filipino-American community, the DFA said.
Manila has remained a steadfast US ally in Southeast Asia, notably in Washington's efforts to root out extremists and terror cells.
In early June US Defense Secretary Robert Gates vowed stepped-up support for the Philippines in its battle against homegrown Islamic militant groups linked to Al-Qaeda.
The Philippines and United States are bound by a 1951 treaty that calls on each side to help the other in times of war.
US special forces advisers have trained and equipped their Philippine counterpart.
Diplomatic ties were strained after a US Marine who had participated in joint military exercises in the Philippines was convicted of raping a Filipino woman in 2006.
An appeals court overturned the decision early this year after the victim recanted her statement.
US troops have been rotating in the southern Philippines since 2003 for joint anti-terror training with their Filipino counterparts.
somebody is getting blessed for another term? good one , Barry 
BTW, diba sa CIA galing ang AL QUEDA at ABU SAYYAF? Pinaikot ikot lang tayo nyan! 
^^ Sure, galing din ang mga Bombings sa kanila eh...
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