The Arroyo government is using the reported impending coup d’ etat that was supposedly quashed by the military this early morning to prevent her political foes from staging massive protest tallies today. It cancelled all rally permits, giving the police an excuse to suppress those who want to commemorate the 20th anniversary of EDSA People Power Revolution.
Arroyo indeed appears to be afraid of People Power. Recently, she’s been trying to downplay the very same force that catapulted her to power.
The cancellation of rally permits is her way of preventing People Power. But the people will try to find a way to go to the streets today. Bayan Muna Rep. Satur Ocampo said on TV that there must be a balance between the security of the state and the people’s right to free expression.
She’s also courting the military, hoping to avoid a possible scenario of withdrawal of support. Yesterday, she distributed today 14 housing units to soldiers in Cavite, and announced it was part of EDSA celebrations.