US bucks coup, emergency rule

Washington will oppose any takeover of the government following a call from retired general and former defense secretary Fortunato Abat for the overthrow of President Arroyo.

"We think coups, emergency rule, martial law or anything of that nature will have a bad impact on the Philippines. We would not support drastic measures. We have a stable partner here," US Embassy Press Attaché Matthew Lussenhop told reporters yesterday.

"We are working closely with the Arroyo administration and you have seen a number of high-level visits here and our officials met with President Arroyo. That is evidence enough of our support."

Washington remains "confident in the political situation… it is stable. Our interest here is (that) we have a stable partner," Lussenhop added.

Last Monday, the US government affirmed its support for Mrs. Arroyo following persistent coup rumors.

US Embassy Chargé d’Affaires Paul Jones, the highest US official in the country, said his government believes that the situation in the Philippines remains stable.

Washington strongly opposes any undemocratic change of government in the Philippines, he said.