Aide Sees Aquino

I am a Filipino senator passing through San Francisco on my way home. My attention was caught by your articles (Part A, Jan. 18-19) on the Bush Administration’s supposed private message to President Corazon Aquino to get her house in order, as it were.

One competing theory behind last month’s coup is that certain forces out there would like to destabilize our government to ensure the extension of the military bases agreement between your country and ours. The high-profile visit by a proconsul does not weaken that premise. Evidently, the patron is trying to draw pictures for the benefit of a perceived peon.

This reading is consistent with the remarkable method of transmittal of a supposed private message. It could have been quietly relayed through normal diplomatic channels. It could give aid and comfort to the enemies of our government and clip our spreading wings. Naturally, it gave rise to some non-constructive spurious speculation of a snap election.

Well, with all due respect, this senator would have none of this sordid business.

RENE A.V. SAGUISAG

Manila