President Arroyo Declares Emergency State To Quell Coup Attempts

F L A S H!

President Gloria Arroyo on Friday declared whole country under state of emergency and said the situation in Manila is under control!

Arroyo, in a taped television address, vowed the full force of law against those who were plotting against her government.

Presidential chief of staff Mike Defensor said prominent personalities link to alleged government destabilization

plots will be arrested.

Anti-government protests will not be allowed and authorities shall carry out warrantless arrest against anti-Arroyo leaders and supporters.

Presidential spokesman Ignacio Bunye said Arroyo signed Proclamation No. 1017 for the declaration of a State of National Emergency.

Riots have broken out in Manila shortly after Arroyo declared national emergency and thousands of soldiers and policemen, armed with truncheons and water canons were dispersing anti-Arroyo protests in Edsa avenue, scene of three previous people power revolutions, and other areas in the capital.

State of emergency is a governmental declaration that may suspend certain normal functions of government or may work to alert citizens to alter their normal behaviors or to order government agencies to implement their emergency preparedness plans.

It can also be used as the rationale for suspending civil liberties -- the protections from the power of governments; such declarations come during during periods of civil unrest -- dictatorial regimes often declare a state of emergency that is prolonged indefinitely as long as the regime lasts.

In some situations, martial law overrides civil law, and is declared, allowing the military greater authority to act.

Some political theorists have argued that the power to declare a state of emergency is the most fundamental power of government, and that knowing who decides on declaring a state of emergency in a given country or territory tells you a lot about where the real power in that country or territory is located, even if the country's constitution paints a different image on the surface.

In some countries, the state of emergency and its effects on civil liberties are regulated by the constitution that limits the powers that may be invoked during an emergency or rights suspended. (Wikipedia)