Palace dismisses speculations on CIA chief’s visit
July 10, 2009 9:11 am
MANILA, July 10 — The visit of US Central Intelligence Agency chief Leon Panetta in the country is nothing more than an exchange of high level discussion on strengthening bilateral cooperation and enhancing capabilities in the sustained fight against international terrorism.
Press Secretary Cerge Remonde stressed this today in reaction to speculations that the visit may have something to do with the possible imposition of emergency rule.
“That is part of the usual black propaganda against the administration. There is no factual basis at all to believe otherwise,” Remonde said in a press briefing.
The Press Secretary stressed that administration critics are now reading all sorts of malicious meaning into the visit of Panetta, where, in fact, “his visit is self evidently related to the ongoing war on terrorism.”
“The pattern is very clear. And this is really part of a sustained agitation propaganda campaign to demonize and vilify the President,” Remonde noted.
Panetta is scheduled to arrive in Manila on Sunday morning and leave on the evening of the same day. Part of his schedule is to meet top officials of the Philippine National Police and the Armed Forces, including a courtesy call on the President.
Remonde said that the Panetta visit will be an opportunity for the Philippine government to discuss security issues and the country’s crucial role in the fight against terrorism. (PNA) LAP/OPS/ssc
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