[JURIST] The Manila Daily Tribune [media website] reported Saturday that it has been charged with sedition in the wake of the Friday lifting of President Gloria Arroyo's state of emergency [JURIST report; Proclamation 1021 text]. The offices of the paper, known for its sharp criticism of the government, were raided February 25 [JURIST report] while the state of emergency decree [text] was still in force. Specific charges have been filed against the paper's publisher and editor-in-chief and two of its columnists. Xinhuanet has more.

Meanwhile Philippines opposition politicians have accused Arroyo of human rights violations, alleging that executive orders limiting street protests, barring government officials from giving testimony before congressional inquiries without government permission and the recent emergency declaration itself have breached the UN Covenant on Civil and Political Rights [text] signed by the Philippines. ABC Australia has more. An Arroyo spokesman said Saturday that the charges "will not prosper because of the situation that led to the declaration of Proclamation 1017 [the emergency decree]."