Heritage think tank says US should not take sides in RP crisis

WASHINGTON — The United States should be strictly nonpartisan in the current political crisis in the Philippines, the influential think tank Heritage Foundation said.

Senior policy analyst Dana Dillon, in an article entitled "Crisis in the Philippines: What does it mean for the US?" said whether President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo stays or goes, efforts to encourage economic development and fight the war on terrorism in the Philippines are weakening.

"The United States has long been devoted to promoting both of these agendas, but Filipinos will view any American involvement in the current political crisis as meddling.

"Therefore, US efforts to help should advance the process without crossing the boundaries of Philippine sovereignty, responsibility and leadership," Dillon said.

He said Manila’s "descent into political chaos" triggered by opposition allegations Arroyo cheated her way to victory and close members of her family were involved in a gambling racket, presented the United States with three major concerns:

• The war on terrorism will continue to take a back seat to the political mess in Manila.

• Economic development and reform and trade expansion will be delayed as politicians focus on Manila politics; and

• Chinese influence will continue to expand while Arroyo fights for her political life.

China has developed and refined a policy of helping regimes in trouble by offering considerable political and economic support and with her presidency in dire straits Arroyo will gladly accept more largesse from Beijing, Dillon said.

Despite these concerns there seems little chance Arroyo will be successfully impeached, he added.

The Heritage Foundation has deep connections in the US Congress and has been referred to by some as a shadow government.

Dillon’s article in the form of a Web Memo published by the foundation on Monday said while the crisis in Manila continues, statements from Washington should be measured expressions of support for the Filipino people, constitutional processes and the rule of law and should avoid any appearance of partisanship.

If requested, US assistance should be in the form of commissions or delegations of constitutional scholars to assist with constitutional reform, he said.

Some Filipino community leaders said it was regrettable that Arroyo who was at the height of her popularity in Washington only two years ago had been placed in such a position as to be almost a pariah to US officialdom.

In May 2003 Arroyo at the invitation of President George W. Bush made a state visit to Washington and was given a state dinner, one of only five Bush has hosted at the White House since assuming office in January 2001.