Protests mark brief Bush trip to Manila

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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"It did not create any disturbance. It was completely ignored by the whole House," House Speaker Jose de Venecia told reporters later.

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

Several kilometers away, riot police blocked protesters as they tried to march on the Philippines legislature. The protesters chanted anti-US slogans and burned American flags and effigies of both Bush and Philippine President Gloria Arroyo, branding them "terrorists."

There were no reports of any violence, however, as thousands of policemen backed by troops barricaded the highway leading to the building. Bush's motorcade later used the same avenue.

Earlier Saturday, more than a dozen student protesters who tried to enter a park where Bush was laying a wreath at a monument to national hero Jose Rizal were forcibly dispersed.