Ramos' sister to sue his `lover'

Ramos' sister to sue his `lover'

MANILA (Reuter): The sister of Philippine President Fidel Ramos threatened yesterday to sue his alleged former lover for statements linking her to drug traffickers.

The office of Senator Leticia Ramos Shahani, Ramos's sister, issued a statement accusing socialite Rose Marie "Baby" Arenas of smearing the senator's reputation.

Two Manila tabloids quoted Arenas last weekend as saying Shahani was involved in the deportation of 11 Indians despite pending drug charges against them.

The deportation, which enabled the Indians to escape court prosecution and provoked a national scandal, led to the firing of the country's immigration chief.

The Indians, who were deported in July, were charged with manufacturing almost seven tons of methaqualone, or mandrax, a drug that puts users into a stupor.

"To claim that the senator is the 'brains' in protecting drug traffickers and manufacturers is a very serious charge which has no basis in fact," Shahani's office said.

A spokesman for Shahani said the senator was also considering suing the two tabloids.