MANILA, Sept. 17 (Xinhuanet) -- The Philippine Presidential Palace said on Wednesday that local political events are not to be influenced by the visit of any foreign leaders, including US President George W. Bush.

　　Presidential Spokesman Ignacio Bunye emphasized this in a press briefing as he belied claims by certain groups that the visit of President Bush on October 18 will have a bearing on President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo's decision whether to run for another full term of presidency in 2004.

　　"We conduct our politics independently of any other government or any other outside group," said Bunye to quash speculations thatthe Bush visit has something to do with the meeting of the ruling Lakas-NUCD party on Oct. 7.

　　"These two events are unrelated," Bunye explained. "The Lakas will be conducting its own procedures so let's just wait to find out what will happen after said meeting."

　　Whether Arroyo will run in 2004 has aroused much controversies in the country. She declared at the end of last year to forsake her plan to seek another presidential term so that she could focusher energy on the current problems existing in the country.

　　However, Bunye was quoted as saying for the first time early inAugust that President Arroyo has not absolutely ruled out the possibility for herself to run again, as numerous of her supporters including former President Fidel Ramos are appealing toher.

　　Several members of the western diplomatic community here were also quoted as saying that another term for Arroyo may be beneficial to the country which has suffered too much from trauma of excessive politicking.

　　The opposition, as usual, are urging Arroyo to remain true to the promise that she made as an honest leader of the state. Enditem