Philippines Boosts Police, Soldiers’ Pay as Election Nears

The Philippine government has announced a 15% wage increase for 310,000 policemen and soldiers as campaigning for May 11 congressional elections enters its final phase.

A police spokesman said that Gen. Fidel V. Ramos, the military chief of staff, announced the increases Saturday after a nationwide tour of key armed forces and police installations to promote civilian-military cooperation in a drive against Communist rebels.

The announcement came in the wake of a May Day demonstration Friday by thousands of left-wing workers who marched across Manila to protest the government’s failure to raise their wages. Union leaders also snubbed a presidential palace reception to mark Labor Day and accused President Corazon Aquino of giving them only “loose change” by way of pay benefits.

Opposition leaders welcomed the pay increases for police and servicemen but said the timing--on the eve of the election--cast doubt on the government’s motives.

“It has politicized the issue on wage increases. It will certainly make policemen and soldiers more enthusiastic about the administration candidates,” an opposition spokesman said.