20 years ago the Filipino's rose up and forced Ferdinand Marcos from power and Placed Corizon Aquino into office. Today was supposed to be the start of a four day celebration of the People Power revolt that ousted Marcos.
The President of the Philippines, Gloria Macapagal Arroyo who has herself been accused of getting into office through a rigged election used the opportunity to declare a state of emergency allowing her to stop the celebrations through the use of the Military and the power to control the press.
She has said it was enacted because of a coup plot, but I wonder if there is any truth to that. She has come under fire for a dishonest election held in 2004 and some of the other things that have been going on there. No that she has enacted a state of emergency she can have the military arrest anyone she feels is a threat and many people have already been arrested as a result. Technically a state of emergency is not martial law, but when I look at it I see no difference other than there is not a curfew.
I am wondering if this was done out of fear that the celebration would turn into a revolt. I guess time will tell. In the meantime I will pray for stability and that the Filipino people get back to their lives.
Here is a link to the story:
Philippines President: Coup Try Quashed
