WORLD : Philippine Senators Hit U.S. Bases

Twelve Philippine senators, more than enough to block any accord on the continued presence of U.S. military bases in the country, have backed a resolution demanding the removal of the bases after 1991.

“It’s a message to the Americans, an argument addressed to the Americans,” Senate President Jovito Salonga, who did not sign the resolution, told reporters today. Senate sources said the action was intended to strengthen Manila’s bargaining hand in negotiations with Washington on the U.S. lease on Clark air and Subic naval bases. The lease expires in 1991, and preliminary talks are planned to start in December.