Coup d'etat

On Friday, February 24, 2006, an alleged coup d'état plot was uncovered in the Philippines.

The President, through the Department of Education, declared a moratorium on all classes from elementary to high school level. Some colleges and universities also suspended classes. Some international schools did not because they found out too late. By the virtue of Proclamation No. 1017, she declared a State of Emergency for the whole country in an attempt to quell rebellion, which many fear might be a prelude to the institution of martial law. The government's first move after declaring the State of Emergency was to disperse the demonstrators, particularly the groups picketing along EDSA. It is reported that former Philippine president Corazon Aquino is among those protesting.

Some draw parallels between the actions of Arroyo and those of Ferdinand Marcos. Maria Ressa, head of ABS-CBN News and Public Affairs, agrees about the comparison between Marcos and Arroyo.