President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo may give up her emergency powers as early as Saturday if there is no longer a national security threat after a failed coup plot, Finance Secretary Margarito Teves said yesterday.

The announcement was made amid mounting protests in Negros Occidental and in other parts of the country against Proclamation 1017 issued by Arroyo Friday to crush what she described as an alliance of communist rebels and "military adventurists" aimed at toppling her.

Bacolod Bishop Vicente Navarra said a prayer rally for the nation is planned to be held at the Bacolod public plaza on March 8, and concerned citizens and members of the clergy in Negros are set to issue a statement opposing Proclamation 1017.

Mayor: State needs
tool to protect itself
BY CHRYSEE SAMILLANO

Bacolod Mayor Evelio Leonardia yesterday said he supports the declaration of a national state of emergency as long as there is an assurance that it will not be abused.

Leonardia said many people are debating about Proclamation No. 1017, especially because there is no precedent to it.

"But I believe the State should have that necessary tool to protect itself because it cannot be sure if the people are in unity all the time," he said. If the State has no mechanism to defend itself, IT can never be stabilized every time a group of people or rebels decide to take over, he added.

Public urged to join press
freedom vigil tonight
BY CHRISTIAN IRL TAN

Officials of the Negros Basketball Association have agreed to finalize the number of participating squads in the NBA-Mayor's Cup Summer Basketball Tournament next week during a meeting yesterday at the Dodong's Fastbreak Restaurant of Bascon Hotel in Bacolod City.

NBA president Oscar "Dodong" Bascon said the number of competing teams will be finalized next week when West Negros College returns from its stint in the 60th National Students Inter-Collegiate Basketball Championships in Bicol.

Aside from WNC, possible squads that will vie for the crown are defending champion Your Basketball Athletic Club-Emarken, Ceres Liners and Toyota-Iloilo, Bascon said.