Ramos not to attend ASEM in London

Ramos not to attend ASEM in London

MANILA (AFP): Philippine President Fidel Ramos said Wednesday he has cancelled plans to attend next month's Asia-Europe meeting (ASEM) in London.

"I found it necessary to beg off from heading the (Philippine) delegation because of my duties here," Ramos said in his weekly press conference.

Ramos said he was sending Senate President Neptali Gonzales to represent him at the second ASEM meeting on April.

Criticisms against Ramos for his frequent trips abroad have become sharper amid the Asian financial crisis and as the May 11 national elections approach.

Although Ramos is barred from running for re-election, he has been hotly campaigning for House of Representatives Speaker Jose de Venecia, who lags behind other candidates in surveys.