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U.S. Ally Joins Arroyo Cabinet
Wednesday, July 31, 2002
(05:02 GMT)
By Rufi Vigilar
For The Cable News Network

Protests have been held in the Philippines against the presence of U.S. troops.
Image Credit: The Associated Press.

The Arroyo government denies that Ople's appointment was timed to facilitate the approval of a new bilateral agreement that covers the future construction of facilities for visiting American troops in the Philippines. Known as the Mutual Logistics Support Agreement (MLSA), it has aroused skepticism among opposition lawmakers who fear it would pave the way for virtual U.S. military bases in the country.

MANILA, Philippines -- CNN
A new Philippine foreign affairs secretary in favor of U.S. military presence in the country has joined President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo's cabinet.

Blas Ople, a former journalist and head of the Senate foreign relations committee, takes over the duties once assigned to Vice President Teofisto Guingona Jr.

Guingona quit as foreign affairs secretary earlier this month, admitting differences with President Arroyo on foreign policy and the issue of Philippine sovereignty.

Guingona has been critical of President Arroyo's all-out support for the U.S.-led global war against terrorism, particularly the holding of bilateral war games in the southern strongholds of the Abu Sayyaf, which the U.S. has linked to Osama bin Laden's al Qaeda network.

Both the Philippine and U.S. governments have hailed the war games a success, despite a messy rescue attempt in June that left American missionary Martin Burnham and Filipino nurse Ediborah Yap dead.

The U.S. troops wind up their mission in the Philippines Wednesday.

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Dan