State of
emergency declared
BY DONALYN M. GUERERRO

President Arroyo's declaration of a State of Emergency.*

Despite President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo's proclamation of a state national emergency to foil an alleged coup plot, about 800 local protestors yesterday staged a rally in the major streets of Bacolod City, calling for her immediate removal from her post, as they in commemorated the 20th anniversary of EDSA People Power 1.

Arroyo yesterday issued a Proclamation No. 1017 and ordered the arrest of military officers and civilians allegedly involved in a new plot to overthrow her government.

All protests were banned after Arroyo issued the proclamation directing the armed forces to stop the efforts of a "tactical alliance" between right-wing and communist forces to "create an unconstitutional regime".

City mayors support Arroyo
BY CHRYSEE G. SAMILLANO

The President of the League of Cities of the Philippines said yesterday that it is in full support of the President's efforts to protect the integrity of the Republic.

LCP president and Iloilo Mayor Jerry Treñas yesterday called on all the people to rally behind the President after her declaration of a State of Emergency, saying these are times when the people should all be united and support the duly constituted authority. Unless the people follow the rule of law, the county will become a Banana Republic, he said.

Bacolod Mayor Evelio Leonardia, meanwhile, said the mayors go for the duly-constituted authority and believe that they have to do their share. Without the participation of the LGU officials, Leonardia said he believes it will be very hard for the nation to be stabilized.

WV guvs back her, too
BY NANETTE GUADALQUIVER

Antique Governor Salvacion Zaldivar-Perez, chairperson of the Regional Development Council, yesterday said the governors of Western Visayas continue to support President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo after her declaration of a state of emergency.

Arroyo ordered the arrest of military officers and civilians allegedly involved in another destabilization plot to topple down her government, and banned protest actions.

She also directed the armed forces to stop the efforts of a "tactical alliance" between right-wing and communist forces to "create an unconstitutional regime."