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Saturday, February 25, 2006
Arroyo declares state of emergency
By Marna H. Dagumboy and Reynaldo G. Navales
CITY OF SAN FERNANDO -- President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo placed the country under a state of emergency Friday amid protests against her administration during rallies held commemorating the anniversary of the 1986 EDSA People Power Revolution.
In a televised address, Arroyo made the official declaration with her issuance of Proclamation No. 1017.
Arroyo issued the proclamation hours after the military foiled a coup attempt mounted against her administration.
Officers of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) announced that they have placed under their custody the coup plot leader, Brigadier General Danny Lim.
In declaring a state of national emergency, the President said the series of destabilization attempts by her critics is "hurting the Philippine state by obstructing governance, including hindering the growth of the economy and sabotaging the people's confidence in government and their faith in the future of this country."
Arroyo said government forces will arrest military officers and civilians linked to the coup attempts.
Local government leaders in the province expressed their support to Arroyo's declaration of a state of emergency amid several attempts to topple the present administration.
Pampanga Governor Mark T. Lapid sent Malacañang a statement of support pledging his "unwavering support to the President. Lapid also called on his kabalens to remain calm and rally behind Arroyo.
"This support emanates from our firm belief that the only way to achieve real and meaningful change is through Constitutional processes. Democracy could only be strengthened by democratic means," Lapid said.
He added that the Kapampangans solidly stand behind the President.
Pampanga Mayors League (PML) president Dennis G. Pineda said the league has fax a statement of support to Arroyo saying that the local chief executives of Pampanga agree with her decision of placing the country under a state of emergency.
Pineda said during the recent visit of Arroyo, the PML approved a resolution re-affirming their "solid support" to her administration.
Meanwhile PML adviser Mabalacat Mayor Marino "Boking" Morales also supported Arroyo's decision to curb the destabilization moves of the foes of the Arroyo government.
He disclosed that the PML has expressed unequivocal support to the President.
"We support President Arroyo's declaration of a state of national emergency to protect the national interest. The PML remains more solid than ever behind President Arroyo. The President knows best. She also sees what is good for our country," Morales said.
(February 25, 2006 issue)
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