News In Brief

Filipino opposition leader charges US interference

A top opposition leader Tuesday accused the United States of ''blatant'' interference in key parliamentary elections regarded as a critical test for the regime of President Ferdinand Marcos.

Former Filipino Sen. Jose Diokno, head of the Movement for National Rights and Sovereignty, said US Embassy officials had hinted at possible financial and logistical support for opposition leaders it had contacted.

Mr. Diokno, a longtime critic of American policy in the Philippines, said Washington wanted the opposition to take part in the elections to maintain a ''facade of democracy here.''

An embassy spokesman said official policy on the elections was not to comment.