More confusion in Ramos row

More confusion in Ramos row

MANILA (Reuter): The Philippine presidential palace issued yesterday apparently conflicting statements on whether President Fidel Ramos would step down at the end of his term next June, adding confusion to a controversy that has divided the nation.

The palace said Ramos had told critics, led by Archbishop Cardinal Jaime Sin, on Tuesday "that there will be a smooth transfer of power when he steps down... in 1998".

But the same release also quoted Ramos as asking Sin and the others to give him until November to make an announcement on his political intentions.

"I ask you to be patient with me. In November, I will give the answer," the release quoted him as telling Sin and other dinner guests when asked about his intentions for next year.