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 BBC reported on Tuesday, 21 February, that Pres. Arroyo had "brushed off" reports of an imminent coup against her, some details of which had been reported in the press. The report also stated the nation was "on maximum alert" and that the coup had been scheduled to coincide with the 20th anniversary of the Edsa highway protests that ousted Marcos.

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.

Former president Fidel Ramos has said the state of emergency decree was to severe a reaction, and says no coup attempt actually took place. Many within the country have criticized Arroyo for darkening the celebration of one of the Philippines' greatest successes, the ouster of Marcos.

Permits for "people power" rallies have been canceled or forbidden indefinitely, in light of the alleged plot to use the occasion as a platform for overthrowing the government. Pres. Arroyo survived an impeachment bid last year, partly due to former presidents expressing their belief that constitutionally sanctioned electoral transition is preferable to the spontaneous removal of governments.

• BBC: "Arroyo brushes off coup rumours"
• Houston Chronicle: "Arroyo Undercuts Coup Plot, Opposition"

LEAD STORY:
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". [Full Story]