Thorny Issues in Philippine-U.S. Relations
The Philippine-U.S. relationship is one of the potentially critical issues to watch.
• the withdrawal of Filipino soldiers in Iraq;
• the espionage of Filipino agents involving confidential documents of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI);
• the content of the supposed report of the U.S. Embassy in Manila assessing the volatile political situation in the Philippines (Mrs. Arroyo described as weak and overbearing with little popular credibility, Mr. de Castro as inept and unfit, Mr. Ramos’ link to coup plots, etc.);
• the alleged rape charges against 6 American servicemen;
• and the heated debate about the proposed full liberalization of the Philippine economy.
Nonetheless, in the face of mounting controversies surrounding the GMA presidency, the U.S. government remained supportive of Mrs. Arroyo. In public statements, the U.S. government has reiterated that it will not support any extra-constitutional means to unseat the President.
