The Arroyo administration on Friday doused speculations that the visit of US Central Intelligence Agency chief Leon Panetta to the Philippines this weekend is linked to a possible declaration of martial law.

“That is part of the usual black propaganda against the administration. There is no factual basis at all to believe otherwise,” Press Secretary Cerge Remonde said in a press briefing.

Remonde said Panetta's visit is nothing more than an exchange of high level discussion on strengthening bilateral cooperation and enhancing capabilities in the sustained fight against international terrorism.

He said administration critics are now reading all sorts of malicious meaning into the visit of Panetta, where, in fact, “his visit is self evidently related to the ongoing war on terrorism.”

“The pattern is very clear. And this is really part of a sustained agitation propaganda campaign to demonize and vilify the President.” he said.

A Malacañang statement said Panetta is scheduled to arrive in Manila on Sunday morning and leave on the evening of the same day. Part of his schedule is to meet top officials of the Philippine National Police and the Armed Forces, including a courtesy call on the President.

Remonde said that the Panetta visit will be an opportunity for the Philippine government to discuss security issues and the country’s crucial role in the fight against terrorism.

Makati Mayor Jejomar Binay, United Opposition president, earlier warned the US government against backing any move by the Arroyo administration to declare martial law following a series of bombings in Mindanao and reports of terror threats in Metro Manila.

Binay issued the statement prior to the CIA chief's arrival on Sunday. “The bombings have resurrected fears of martial law, and the Arroyo administration can conveniently play the terror card in getting US support for declaring a state of emergency or even martial law,” he said in a statement.

“The US government will find itself again on the wrong side of history should it openly or implicitly support martial law,” Binay said.

In response to the terror threats in the metropolis, Binay had directed the city government to be vigilant, saying the country’s financial district remains a key target for all kinds of terror groups. With Business Mirror