Thursday, May 27, 1999 Published at 16:29 GMT 17:29 UK
Violent protests greet Philippines-US pact
Feelings have been running high over the vote
There have been violent demonstrations in the Philippines as the Senate ratified a controversial agreement to revive military ties with the United States.
Following a lengthy voting process, 18 out of 23 senators backed the agreement, giving it the necessary two-thirds majority.
The accord will allow joint exercises involving up to 2,000 troops on each side.
The thousands of demonstrating Filipinos said it would revive a semi-colonial relationship with Washington and lead to a rise in prostitution.
Police erected barricades outside the Senate building in the capital, Manila, and blocked efforts by demonstrators to storm the American embassy.
US embassy stoned
About 200 young activists hurled stones as they tried to storm the building, but riot police forced them back with truncheons and shields. Some of the activists were injured and at least two were arrested.
Protests were held in several other cities. In southern Davao City, about 5,000 protesters marched and burned effigies of Presidents Estrada and Clinton.
Help against China
BBC Manila Correspondent John McLean says some people believe the agreement will revive the moribund mutual defence treaty between Washington and Manila to compensate for the Philippines' own military weakness.
The Philippines is feeling particularly defenceless in its armed confrontation with China over disputed territory in the South China Sea.
On the other side are those who fear that the agreement will restore a quasi-colonial relationship between Washington and Manila. The United States is the former colonial power in the Philippines.