The Philippines has called on the United States to help it fight corruption in government by naming Filipino generals and other officials alluded to in a recent US State Department Country Report on Terrorism.

The report says the Philippines' fight against terrorists was saddled by problems such as corruption, limited resources and low salaries given to security forces.

Our reporter Shirley Escalante reports deputy presidential spokesman Anthony Golez says the White House can help the Philippines prosecute its corrupt officials by giving details to authorities so cases can prosper.

He did not deny corruption in government, but said the Arroyo administration has instituted many reforms in the bureaucracy to strengthen accountability among officials.

The spokesman cited the increase in the budget of the Ombudsman's Office and the prosecution of erring government and military officials.

He also noted successes in the Philippines' fight against terrorism, including the arrest of 38 Abu Sayyaf leaders and members, and the killing of 127 other extremists.

The US State Department Country Report on Terrorism for the East Asia and Pacific Region concluded that Jemaah Islamiyah remained a serious threat to western and regional interests, particularly to Indonesia and the southern Philippines.

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