[JURIST] Philippines President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo [official website; JURIST news archive] said Wednesday that she will not immediately lift [press release] the state of emergency [Proclamation 1017 text] in the Philippines, rejecting calls that she immediately lift her earlier order. Arroyo implemented emergency rule last Friday after uncovering a plot to oust her from office and military officials have warned that another coup attempt is possible.

In response to several requests to lift the state of emergency, including a call from the US State Department, Arroyo promised to review the situation within the next three days and said that she will lift emergency rule when the situation is fully under control. Several advisors will report back to Arroyo by Saturday, including the Justice Secretary Raul Gonzalez, who has advised against lifting the ban at this time. Gonzalez has also warned that even when the state of emergency has been lifted, current law allows the prosecution of individuals for rebellion or inciting sedition. Reuters has more. The Philippine Daily Inquirer has local coverage.