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American Morning

Philippines: President Gloria Arroyo Discusses Protests

Aired May 01, 2001 - 09:37   ET

THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.

THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.
LEON HARRIS, CNN ANCHOR: After thousands of people attacked the presidential palace, authorities say at least four people have been killed in protests by supporters of former President Joseph Estrada. He's been jailed on corruption charges.

We are being joined now on the telephone by the current president of the Philippines, President Arroyo -- President Gloria Arroyo. Can you tell us exactly what is going on right now in your country? Is this under control or what?

GLORIA ARROYO, PRESIDENT OF THE PHILIPPINES: There are no more -- there are no more rebellions or rallies going on there. Everybody's been dispersed, and -- and many of the coup plotters have already been arrested. Coup plotters and coup leaders. Over a hundred.

HARRIS: President Arroyo, we understand that you were -- you say that you believe that these rebellions that are taking place right now in your country have been planned. You say you have proof of that?

ARROYO: Yes.

HARRIS: Can you tell us what kind of proof you do have to back that claim up?

ARROYO: Well, the -- first of all, even -- even their pronouncement on stage -- on -- in the rally stage have them calling for the people to march for rebellion, for the -- my overthrow. So that in itself is already rebellion, now that the act has been made, because this -- when it was just in the realm of speech, then -- then you cannot -- it's not just a crime, but when -- when what the speech calls for is already attempted by action, then -- then it becomes rebellion.

HARRIS Are -- are you alleging, Ms. -- Mrs. President, are you alleging then that the former president, Mr. Estrada, is behind this rebellion?

ARROYO: Well, I have not -- have not categorically alleged that, but, you know, when he was transferred from the veterans hospital to this facility in Laguna, it was done very hurriedly without his knowing in advance. He left a few things -- many things behind because he -- and one of the documents that he inadvertently left behind was a draft of a document proclaiming himself as president once again.

HARRIS: Madam President, one final question. Can you give us a right word now about the death toll, how many people may have lost their lives in this rebellion?

ARROYO: So far, I -- and it's probably -- three.

HARRIS: Three.

ARROYO: One policeman and -- and two -- two members of the violent mob that marched in the rebellion and then tried to...

HARRIS: We thank you very much for your time during this difficult moment for you and your country. President Gloria Arroyo of the Philippines. We thank you very much.

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