President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo yesterday told the nation she will lift her state of national emergency declaration at the earliest possible time, but continued to draw flak from protestors in Bacolod City for issuing Proclamation 1017.

In a televised address to the nation, the president said she has given Defense Secretary Avelino Cruz, Justice Secretary Raul Gonzalez and Philippine National Police Director General Arturo Lumibao 24 to 72 hours to submit their assessments of the overall security situation nationwide.

Arroyo has scheduled a meeting with the Cabinet and other key officials on Saturday to assess the latest developments in the country's security situation.

"I will lift the state of emergency proclamation if the three officials assure me that the situation is fully under control," she said.

The President had said that she was compelled to proclaim a state of national emergency to preempt a conspiracy hatched by the communists, elements of the political opposition and military adventurists to bring down the government.

As soon as the danger posed by those out to overthrow the government is over, Proclamation 1017 will be lifted, she said.

She thanked the overwhelming majority of the Filipino people and the business sector for their understanding of the action she had taken to protect democracy.

The President also said she will redouble her efforts to strengthen the economy, uplift the living standard of all Filipino families and address the needs of the general public.

I am very confident the President will lift proclamation 1017 soon, Rep. Ignacio Arroyo (Neg Occ., 5th district) said yesterday.

Justice Secretary Raul Gonzalez said "The situation has leveled off" but he was not yet prepared to recommend a lifting of the state of emergency. He said it was too early to say the threat has been completely neutralized.

However, Gonzalez conceded there was a split in the Cabinet, with Arroyo's economic team of the view that it would be better for the image of the country, and its psychological effects on investors, that it be lifted already.

Negros Occidental Board Member Dino Yulo yesterday said the Supreme Court should act with haste on Proclamation 1017 because there are so many undefined parameters. It is important that the SC decides on its constitutionality and if it is found constitutional it should define its parameters, he said.

Even if 1017 is lifted before SC can act to set the tone for its future use, maybe the High Court should still act on the matter since national interest is at stake, he said.

Board Member Francis Gerard Tuvilla yesterday appealed to the military and police not to abuse Proclamation of 1017 and to the President to lift it as soon as possible.

If government suppresses freedom of the press it will reinforce the belief that martial law is back, Tuvilla said.*CPG

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