US watching RP political noise “with great interest”

By Ronron
February 26, 2008

The United States is “watching with great interest” the current political noise in Manila brought about by allegations of corruption in the Arroyo government.

But US envoy to Manila Kristie Kenney said they just hope that “our Filipino friends… honors the rule of law, remains peaceful and within the bounds of the Constitution” in the exercise of their freedom of expression and other democratic rights.

“We regard it as healthy. The free expression of views is the cornerstone of democracy. The peaceful protests, the expression of views is what makes our democracies great,” Kenney told reporters Tuesday in Maragondon, Cavite during the launching of a newly-built school courtesy of soldiers participating in the 2008 RP-US Balikatan Exercises.

Mass actions have frequented the capital and other key cities elsewhere to call for the resignation of President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo after her administration was linked to the alleged anomalous deal with ZTE Corporation for the implementation of
the $329-million National Broadband Network project.

After Monday’s rallies that coincided with the celebration of the 22nd anniversary of the 1986 People Power Revolution that ended the dictatorial rule of former President Ferdinand Marcos, another event will be held this Friday in Makati City.

Kenney refused to comment on the issues hounding the Arroyo administration, except: “I think, from the US perspective, we’re watching as we always do. It’s a
lively and energetic Philippine democracy. Lots of citizens with lots of views.”/DMS