US urges GMA, people to uphold rule of law

The United States urged President Arroyo yesterday to uphold the rule of law and protect civil liberties after she imposed a state of national emergency to quell a failed coup attempt.

"We call on the government of the Philippine and the Filipino people to respect fully the rule of law, protect civil liberties and human rights and reject violence," US Embassy spokesman Matthew Lussenhop said in a statement read on national television.

Washington also urged more than 100,000 Americans living in the Philippines, a former US colony, to "take prudent steps to ensure their personal safety during this uncertain time," the US government’s statement said.

Foreign Affairs Secretary Alberto Romulo said he briefed the diplomatic corps to explain the actions undertaken by the Arroyo administration.

"The members of the diplomatic corps appreciated this briefing and have strongly indicated their support for President Arroyo and the democratic institutions of the Republic of the Philippines," Romulo said.

The government of Spain, another former colonial power in the Philippines, meanwhile sent a communiqué in Spanish to Press Secretary Ignacio Bunye saying "the Spanish government is following closely the situation in the Philippines in the wake of the attempted coup yesterday."

Bunye’s "rough translation" of the communiqué continues: "The Spanish government wishes to express support for the forces of the President of the republic and the Philippine authorities in ensuring institutional stability and respect for the Constitution."

Besides the US, Australia and Hong Kong have also issued advisories urging their citizens to exercise caution when traveling to the Philippines.

Hong Kong issued its travel advisory following Mrs. Arroyo’s declaration of a state of emergency. "The Hong Kong government is closely monitoring developments there," a spokesman for the Security Bureau said.

The Security Bureau spokesman urged Hong Kong citizens to exercise caution when traveling to the Philippines and to seek help from the Chinese embassy when needed. — With Aurea Calica, AFP