[737] Of trouble to the northeast
MANILA (Reuters) - President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo invoked emergency rule in the Philippines on Friday after security forces said they had foiled a coup attempt, shocking analysts and driving down the country's currency.
Talk of plots against Arroyo, who survived a crisis last year over allegations of vote-rigging and corruption, has been running high around this week's anniversary of a "people power" revolt that toppled dictator Ferdinand Marcos in 1986.
"I have declared a state of emergency," Arroyo said in a taped address on television and radio, adding she had authorized the military and police "to take ample measures".
"This is my warning to those who are attempting anything against the government."
I say, Arroyo needs to step down already. It's becoming more apparent each day that Arroyo has little popular support from the masses. With all the controversies centered around her, I bet the Philippines would solve a lot of problem with her stepping down.
With there's already trouble to the north of Malaysia (read, Thailand), Malaysia doesn't need another unstable neighbor.
p/s - remember the great flood of Pasir Kumpal? Well, some people got back there and Pelf has some pictures.
I've been in the Philippines several times over the past decade or so, and I can say that nothing much has changed between the time of Ramos and Arroyo. I think that whoever their President is, the Filipinos just won't be able to escape what seems to be their destiny. And besides, what real alternative to Arroyo is there? Her opposition seems to prefer *shudder* Estrada's old pal, Fernando Poe Jr. Too bad for them that he's dead.
By johnleemk, at 24 February, 2006 09:36
You meant Marcos? Of all Filipino leaders since Marcos, I like Ramos the most.
Anyway, corrupt yes but realistically, it's a question of the lesser devil. Arroyo it seems, is not the lesser devil anymore. She has too many scandals to think of and if I were a Filipino, I would say the suspension of civil liberty is the worst sin. Heh. I don't need to be a Filipino to even say that.
By __earth, at 24 February, 2006 12:17
No, because I'm not old enough to have been there in Marcos' time. :p
By johnleemk, at 24 February, 2006 13:33
The Phillipines is a real basket case. Lots of democracy? Sure, but look at what it has given to its people. In fact, its countries like the Phillipines and India that gives ammunition to 'strong government' proponents such as our Dr M, Lee Kuan Lew, and now even Thaksin Shinawatra, in their arguments that 'controlled' democracy is superior to 'full' democracy in our society, which isn't true. Taiwan and South Korea comes to mind as notable exceptions.
Anyway, in the case of Arroyo, I still think she's the best bet the Phillipines has to kickstart the country's lagging economy. The alternatives are laughable. Movie actors??? Sorry for my prejudice, but I think that actors should just stick to acting... :)
And yeah, from what I've read, Ramos seemed to be one of the best Presidents the Phillipines has ever had.
By sigma, at 25 February, 2006 19:50
