US envoy on series of actions in RP capital: "This is an

By Ronron
February 18, 2008

United States Ambassador to Philippines Kristie Kenney said Monday that the current noise in Manila over the alleged irregularities behind the National Broadband Network (NBN) project is no cause for concern as this, according to her, are just manifestations of an "exciting democracy."

"This is a very lively, noisy democracy, no shortage of opinions and views, something I'm pretty familiar with in the United States," Kenney told reporters in Camp Aguinaldo.

But, "as friends of the Philippines," Kenney said the US hopes "that it continues to be a peaceful expression of views," and that "the rule of law and the Constitution are the frameworks surrounding it all."

Thousands have since been massing up in support of Rodolfo Lozada, Jr., who had testified on the NBN controversy, to call for the ouster of President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo for allegedly engaging or at least tolerating corruption.

Asked if the US embassy will issue a statement now as it did during the November 29, 2007 incident at the Manila Peninsula Hotel in Makati City, Kenney said: "I don't think we're at that stage yet right now. We're looking at people expressing views peacefully, enthusiastically."

During the November 29 incident, calls made by Army Brig. Gen. Danilo Lim and Senator Antonio Trillanes IV for the ouster of Arroyo were made in the presence of armed members of the Magdalo group and their supporters inside the Manila Pen hotel.

"I think what we're seeing now is a lot of citizen interest in their government and on things that go on in the country. I think that's very healthy," Kenney said.

Kenney said she has not yet talked to Arroyo over the recent issues hounding her administration./DMS