Filipino lawmakers call for new deal with US

A PHILIPPINE congressional committee approved a resolution yesterday calling on the government to end an accord allowing large-scale American military exercises in the country after US officials refused to hand over four marines accused of rape.

Miriam Defensor Santiago, who heads the committee, said ending the 1999 Visiting Forces Agreement would allow negotiation of an accord giving more power to the Philippines to take custody of US soldiers who run afoul of local law.

The marines are being held in the US embassy after a judge issued a warrant for their arrest. Washington has refused to hand them over, as under the 1999 accord US authorities can keep custody of suspects during legal proceedings.