May 2004, a fmr 'action hero' sought presidency against Arroyo; disused fields, along traffic-clogged roads, served as ad opportunity.

PHILIPPINES UNDER MARTIAL LAW AGAINST ALLEGED COUP
STATE OF EMERGENCY COINCIDES WITH 20TH ANNIVERSARY OF 'PEOPLE POWER' REVOLUTION THAT OVERTHREW DICTATOR MARCOS
24 February 2006

Gloria Macapagal Arroyo, president of the Philippines, has declared a state of emergency after police clashed with demonstrators at rally in Manila where thousands of Filipino citizens and a former president called for her to step down. Arroyo declared the efforts part of an attempted military coup d'état and a "threat to the nation".

Demonstrations earlier in the week in the Quezon City district of the capital also called for Arroyo's departure, urged a fight against corruption, poverty. Anecdotal reports from Manila suggest sporadic unrest or rioting may spread to wealthier outlying communities in Metro-Manila, and some are seeking to move further away from the city.

At least three military officials have been arrested amid allegations from Pres. Arroyo of a conspiracy among a small group within the military to overthrow the constitutional government. Army chief Gen. Hermogenes Esperon announced the arrests and said the armed forces stand behind the constitutional government.

The state of emergency does not suspend the functioning of the constitution and does not universally suspend habeas corpus provisions. Military and national police have expanded powers of search and detention, but say they will act responsibly and within the law.

Twenty years ago this Saturday, the Philippines saw one of the most surprising political events of the 20th century, when a million Filipinos, carrying flowers and rosaries, gathered along the Edsa highway, blocked tanks and heavy artillery deployed by the dictator Marcos. Four days of peaceful protest toppled the dictator and restored democracy and the rule of law.

Five years ago, a new round of 'people power' successfully ended the government of former actor Joseph Estrada, as news spread of endemic corruption and theft of state money. For the last year, Pres. Arroyo has been fighting allegations of election-rigging and corruption, and has faced several calls from opposition politicians for her to step down.

Former president Ramos, a general who withdrew support from Marcos during the People Power revolution, helping to speed the dictator's fall, said he was "appalled" at learning the news of the state of emergency declaration. He joined others who criticized the move, comparing it to the exercise of martial law that Marcos used to retain his grip on power.

Former president Corazon Aquino, whose democratic government succeeded Ferdinand Marcos in the wake of the People Power revolution, has said Arroyo should resign, but that the transition should be conducted through a constitutional process, saying "we have other options", meaning that street protests and social unrest are unnecessary and can be avoided.

The Pacific island nation of over 87 million, once self-sufficient in rice and basic foodstuffs, has now begun importing rice. While literacy stands at 92.5% and education is widely available, over 40% live below the poverty line, and socio-economic tensions are generally high, always playing a role in national political campaigns.

CNN describes the post-Marcos democratic period as an improvement, but "mired in appalling poverty, rural backwardness, chronic inequality, long-running Marxist and Muslim insurgencies and chaotic politics". Arroyo's government has sought to claim success in areas of development which many Filipinos feel have not improved their condition.

Rampant deforestation, illegal logging, and soil erosion are making agriculture less viable in many parts of the country, and costly oil imports accounting for nearly 90% of consumption make energy prohibitively expensive, slowing development and economic growth.

• CNN: "State of emergency in Philippines"
• CNN: "Is 'people power' out of control?"
• El País: "El Gobierno de Filipinas decreta el estado de emergencia tras frustrar una intentona golpista"
• CIA Factbook: "Philippines"

UPDATE:
REPORTS SUGGEST PHILIPPINE COUP PLOT WIDELY KNOWN
25 February 2006

According to the Houston Chronicle, media reports throughout the last week had given details of an alleged plot to use mass celebrations of the 1986 ouster of dictator Ferdinand Marcos, to stoke popular sentiment against Arroyo government, sway military officers to join in public demand she resign.

The date was reportedly widely known, and at least one young child reportedly sent a text message "Coup Friday, Feb. 24. Please pass on", which appears to show the plot was common knowledge. So Arroyo acted to preempt any attempt to unseat her, meeting with military personnel, arranging to break up the demonstrations, ensure rogue officers would be arrested. [Full Story]