Tuesday, August 03, 2004 RP's continued stay in coalition up to US
MANILA -- President Arroyo's administration said it remains committed to the fight against terror and leaves to the United States the decision to remove the Philippines from the "coalition of the willing".
Arroyo spokesman Ignacio Bunye said, however, that the country's relations with members of the so-called US-led coalition and other allies remain strong, in reaction to reports that the US is reviewing the country's membership in the alliance following its decision to pull out troops from Iraq to save the life of truck driver Angelo dela Cruz.
"Our commitment to the campaign against international terrorism is firm. The gains we continue to achieve in the anti-terrorism campaign is a result of the vigilance of Filipinos, our alliances with other nations and our strategic partnership with the US," he pointed out.
The Philippines became the object of criticisms, particularly from the US and coalition member Australia, after it bowed to the demands of the kidnappers of dela Cruz and pulled out Filipino peacekeepers from Iraq a month ahead of schedule.
Bunye and his deputy, Ricardo Saludo, could not clearly say if the Philippines remained a member of the US-led coalition.
The presidential spokesman, however, said the Philippines remains "an active member of the fight against terrorism."
Executive Secretary Alberto Romulo convened the Cabinet Oversight Committee on Internal Security (Cocis) Monday afternoon but officials refused to say what the meeting was all about.
Asked about reports quoting US Secretary of State Colin Powell as saying the Philippines was to be removed from the US-led alliance after it bowed down to terrorist demands, Bunye said the only thing he could say was that the country remained firm in its commitment to fight terrorism.
Saludo added that they would leave it to the Department of Foreign Affairs to confirm if the Philippines was indeed no longer a coalition member.
He said the Philippines should not be taken for granted especially in the campaign against terrorism.
At the Senate, senators want trade sanctions imposed against Australia for its harsh statements against the Philippines over the troop pullout.
Senators Manuel Villar, Aquilino Pimentel Jr. and Edgardo Angara said that aside from its negative remarks, Australia is already treating the Philippines unfairly in terms of trade.
Villar said Australia should shut up and understand the Philippine government's decision if it sincerely considers the country as an ally against global terrorism.
Angara also urged the Australian Government to respect the decision of President Arroyo.
Another senator, Manuel "Mar" Roxas III, called on his colleagues to study further the proposal because some consumer products like milk, soy and beef are imported from Australia.
But Pimentel said that the Philippines could look for alternative sources of such products.
He lamented that Philippine mangoes and bananas are still rejected in Australia. JMR/JPM
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