Ricciardone says Washington is only backing Philippine democracy and no particular candidate in the May 2004 election.
"The United States is not neutral about the Philippine elections and does back a candidate, and that candidate is Philippines’ democracy," he said.
Asked at a news conference whether it would be OK for Mrs. Arroyo to go back on her December promise not to seek a full six-year term, Ricciardone slipped as he said it was up to any Philippine citizen to decide whether to run.
"As far as I know, President Arroyo is a first-class citizen of the United..." Ricciardone said, cutting off the sentence and laughing it off.
"I think we admire her so much we might make her an honorary citizen," he joked.
Bush is scheduled to visit Manila Oct. 18 en route to the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation summit in Bangkok, Thailand.
Mrs. Arroyo deplored yesterday "the early political typhoon" sparked by intense speculation over her 2004 plans, saying the unnecessary politicking has spawned negative public perceptions of instability in the Philippines and pulled down the country’s foreign credit rating. — AP