Several groups will raise before the Supreme Court the legality of President Gloria Arroyo's decision that she has the final say over the controversial war games which will include American soldiers meant to crush the Abu Sayyaf group in southern Philippines.

Earlier, presidential spokesperson Rigoberto Tiglao said the only way to end the debate over the constitutionality of the joint "training exercises" between Filipino and American soldiers was to take the case to the apex court.

Catholic leaders began a meeting yesterday to come up with a unified position on the controversial joint exercises.

The meeting was attended by representatives of the Catholic Bishops' Conference of the Philippines, Couples for Christ and the Council of Lay Ministers of the Philippines. Members will come up with a pastoral letter on the controversy.

Meanwhile, several allies of president Arroyo have turned against her. Jesuit priest, Juaquin Bernas, said Arroyo's plan is constitutional, but added: "An act can be perfectly legal but unwise or even stupid."

Administration Senator, Joker Arroyo, said the president's "cavalier" stance on the U.S. presence in Basilan was "just too much".

"She could change her mind and unleash the U.S. troops (against the Abu Sayyaf bandits) because she believes she has the constitutional mandate (to do so)," the senator added.

Former congressman Bobby Tañada has firmed up his group, called the "Gathering for Peace," a coalition of nationalist groups opposed to the U.S. military presence in the country. It has led militant groups street protests at the U.S. embassy.

Discounting them, Arroyo said: "Only a few object, especially the communists. But the majority of the people approve (of it)."