British ambassador denies conspiring with opposition

Saying it was not a "conspiracy," British Ambassador Peter Beckingham confirmed yesterday that he met with opposition lawmakers who discussed with him the political situation in the country and the controversies hounding the Arroyo administration.

Talk has it that members of the opposition are asking Britain to back their call for a change in government, but Beckingham denied this.

"I had a meeting recently with opposition congressmen and senators certainly not supporting the government. What is important now to understand is it is not a conspiracy talking to members of the opposition. That is a normal process. From our point of view, it is not for support, just an open discussion how they view the situation in the Philippines," he said at a press conference for the signing of a P30-million development grant for Mindanao.

The opposition was reportedly going around the diplomatic community for "consultations" with diplomats to brief them on the current political situation.

Beckingham did not elaborate on the issues the lawmakers, led by House Minority Leader Francis Escudero, discussed with him and whether they asked for his country’s support in removing President Arroyo from office.

"I don’t think it will be appropriate for me to comment on that," he said.

Beckingham declined to comment on the impeachment charges against the President, calls for her resignation and a snap election to determine her successor following her apology for calling an election official to protect her votes during the canvassing period after the May 10 elections.

He also made it clear that Britain will not support unconstitutional acts and mounting calls for Mrs. Arroyo’s resignation because of allegations that she won the presidential election fraudulently.

"We would not likely go outside the constitutional process and we do not talk to people like rebel movements and terrorist groups," Beckingham said.

The envoy added that one of his jobs when he was assigned in Australia was to the run the political section of the British embassy there and talk to opposition figures, led by now Prime Minister John Howard.

"No conspiracy about it. We are pretty open about it," he said.

According to Beckingham, he also met with Mrs. Arroyo, Trade Secretary Juan Santos and Finance Secretary Cesar Purisima three weeks ago and they also discussed new tax measures and other reforms the government is implementing.

He stressed that the British government is closely monitoring the political developments in the Philippines since audio tape recordings of an alleged wiretapped conversation between the President and a Commission on Elections official, widely believed to be then commissioner Virgilio Garcillano, surfaced.

"We are interested in it and following it. As I said, we have major interest and big economic and political interest in the Philippines and both countries are fighting terrorists," he said.

Asked to comment on the British investors’ sentiment on the current political turmoil, Beckingham said their businesses in the country are doing well despite the political crisis.

"It is business as usual. British investors are doing excellent business here," he said.

Beckingham noted that British bank HSBC and retail chain Marks & Spencer are still doing good business in the Philippines.

HSBC, he said, opened call centers in the country two weeks ago and employed at least 3,000 people.

Records show there are about 200 major British companies in the country and the trade volume for 2004 was $2 billion.

Beckingham said that the British Minister of Trade for Southeast Asia will visit the country later this year.

"We believe the President and her economic team are strong. We have total confidence in the economy that is going the right direction and nothing will blow off that direction," he said.

For its part, the US embassy in Manila said they are open to holding discussions with any political group, including the opposition.

Embassy Press Attaché Ruth Urry said it is part of normal diplomatic work to consult with various groups and sectors.

"It is our custom to associate with a wide variety of political groups, including the opposition. There is nothing unusual about it," she said.

Prior to his departure last May, former US ambassador to Manila Francis Ricciardone said the US is opposed to any move for a change in government that is not within the bounds of the Constitution.