March 3, 2006
Palace Lifts State of Emergency

BY BULATLAT
Posted 12:05 p.m. March 3, 2006

President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo lifted the state of emergency March 3, a week after she declared it supposedly to quash an alleged coup plot. The lifting was made after her advisers assured her that the coup threat had eased.

The defense, justice, and police chiefs said on March 2 that they would recommend its lifting as the situation normalizes.

In her speech aired on government television and radio networks, the president thanked the military and police for not intervening into political matters, and the local officials for being on the side of democracy.

She also said that the “opportunists” and oppositionists have ended their “walang kwentang palabas” (senseless gimmicks).

Under this declaration, criminal charges have been filed against over 50 opposition members, military personnel, and others for alleged attempt to overthrow the president.

A day after the declaration on Feb. 24, through Proclamation 1017, Anakpawis party-list Rep. Crispin Beltran was arrested and charged with inciting to sedition. Five other congressmen charged with rebellion have been under protective custody at the House of Representatives in Quezon City since Feb. 27.

Executive Secretary Eduardo Ermita had earlier admitted that the “crackdown” on government opponents and critics would continue even after Proclamation No. 1017 is lifted. (Bulatlat.com)