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."

Malacañang claimed rebel military officers were planning to call for Arroyo's ouster at rallies yesterday marking the 20th anniversary of the Feb. 25, 1986 "People Power" revolution.

Zaldivar-Perez said, "As chairperson of RDC 6, my fellow governors have authorized me to issue a statement strongly condemning this destabilization plot."

Everything is calm and normal in all provinces of Region 6, business as usual, she said.

"We appeal to our brothers in the military to please think of our country first especially because our economy is now taking off. We also appeal to President Cory Aquino to please help preserve and protect our democracy which we have all fought for in EDSA," she added.

Negros Occidental Gov. Joseph Marañon, for his part, also appealed for sobriety amid the recent developments in the country.

"I have directed all local public officials in province to see to it that peace and order remain in their respective areas," he said.

Marañon said that the act of Arroyo to declare a state of emergency rests exclusively on her wisdom, adding, "it is surely supported by facts and information which, unfortunately, we have no access to."

"(A)cts of public officials are presumed to have been discharged with regularity unless proven otherwise. As such, we should give her that privilege and respect," he said.*NLG

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