RP defense secretary quits

RP defense secretary quits

MANILA (DPA): The Philippines' defense secretary said
yesterday he had submitted his resignation to President Fidel
Ramos amid mounting calls for him to vacate his post in
preparation for his plans to run for president in the 1998
election.

Renato de Villa, also the head of the National Disaster
Coordinating Council, said his critics should understand that his
resignation was now in the hands of the president who would have
to approve his action.

De Villa, who many believe could be the ruling political
party's standard bearer in next year's presidential election, has
been under fire for allegations that he could be using government
funds to finance his political ambitions.

Opposition politicians have also alleged de Villa was behind a
campaign to malign rivals in the presidential race by linking
them to illegal drug activities -- accusations which the defense
secretary has repeatedly denied.