WikiLeaks - Former President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo

WikiLeaks - Former President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo
Former President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo defied the US government when she placed the entire country under a state of emergency in February 2006 during the 20th anniversary of EDSA people power.
Several alleged diplomatic cables from the US embassy in Manila published by anti-secrecy website WikiLeaks show that American envoys stated their firm opposition to the imposition of emergency rule during separate meetings with Arroyo and other government and military officials a few months before the Palace issued Proclamation No. 1021. 

Cable 05MANILA5328, classified secret and dated November 14, 2005, states that then Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for Southeast Asia Eric John met Arroyo, Foreign Secretary Alberto Romulo, and defense officials 3 days earlier wherein he reiterated Washington's stand against any form of emergency rule in the Philippines.
"Both Arroyo and Romulo indicated that they consider emergency rule, as provided for by the Constitution, to be a legitimate option.  Other senior officials have told us that emergency rule is under active consideration, but reassured us that it is unlikely to be imposed imminently," the cable said.
The phrase "martial law" was not used in the discussions.
John told Arroyo that emergency measures may "trigger a review of US defense-related and other assistance to the Philippines."

"The President responded only with a defiant stare," the cable stated.
The defiant stare would turn out into Proclamation No. 1021 that Presidential spokesperson Ignacio Bunye announced on the morning of February 24, 2006.
The Palace justified the proclamation by saying it foiled an alleged uprising against the government.
The state of national emergency forced the temporary suspension of lower-level classes and barred demonstrations and protests.
Public gatherings were banned and the writ of habeas corpus was suspended, which allowed security forces to arrest people and detain them indefinitely.
The state of emergency was lifted a week later after cases were filed against opposition figures, including militant lawmakers and military figures.

WikiLeaks - Former President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo

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