RP feels heat over U.S. pact

RP feels heat over U.S. pact

PHILIPPINES: The Philippine government faces a major political headache after pushing through a relatively minor military resupply accord with the United States, with critics warning the country could be sucked into a conflict in Iraq.

The controversy comes at an unwelcome time for President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo as she tries to contain a ballooning budget deficit and fend off opposition figures looking to exploit any weak spots in the run-up to elections due by May 2004.

"What makes this agreement highly incendiary is that it occurred at a time when the Americans are ready to invade Iraq," political analyst Teodoro Benigno told Reuters on Sunday.

"This might involve the Philippines more and more in the playground of the United States."

The former U.S. colony, itself a target of attacks by local Moro militants linked to the al-Qaeda network, has been a vociferous supporter of the Washington-led war on terror. -- Reuters