His supporters say Mizz Arroyo s reaction to their protests is illegal and undemocratic. The declaration of a state of rebellion gives police wide power to arrest and hold people. It also bars groups of more than five people from gathering near the presidential palace. The state of rebellion was declared for Manila only. Mizz Arroyo also ordered the arrests of eleven politicians.
Philippine officials say the opposition politicians plotted to take over the government.
Intelligence reports accuse the group of planning to kill both President Arroyo and former President Estrada. The reports say Senators Juan Ponce Enrile and Gregorio Honasan and former police chief General Panfilo Lacson planned to head the new government. Mizz Arroyo says she hopes by Monday to be able to declare the rebellion is over. Philippine citizens are to vote in congressional and local elections a week later, on May Fourteenth. It will be the first vote since Mister Estrada was ousted.