Protests, MPs walkout mark brief Bush Philippines visit

[Spazito]

MANILA (AFP) - Several thousand anti-US protesters demonstrated in the Philippines' capital and burned US flags while five leftist legislators walked out as US President George W. Bush (news - web sites) gave a speech before a joint session of Congress.


After burning the flags, about 7,000 protesters tried to march on the Philippines legislature, where Bush delivered his address outlining Washington's commitment of more military aid to help Manila fight terrorism.


Five House of Representatives members from fringe parties walked out as Bush began his speech. One of the five, J. Virgilio Bautista, unfurled an anti-war banner as he left his seat but marshals seized it from him.

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A small number of Filipino legislators who opposed the US-led invasion of Iraq (news - web sites) also wore pins that read "Legislators against War," but stayed to listen to the speech.

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