Arroyo defends state of emergency

Mrs Arroyo lifted the emergency decree on Friday

Philippine President Gloria Arroyo has defended using emergency laws to stop a recent alleged coup plot.

In her first live interview since the crisis, Mrs Arroyo said government moves to head off the reported plot had averted violence and saved the economy.

She said the conspiracy would have destroyed democracy in the Philippines if it had been allowed to triumph.

But opposition groups claim the state of emergency infringed civil liberties - a suggestion Mrs Arroyo dismissed.

"Our swift action headed off potential violence," she told local radio network GMA on Tuesday.

"I am a strong believer in democratic principles," she said, "but I also believe that we must stop those people who would abuse these freedoms."

She said the security situation in the country was now "quiet and peaceful", but the government remained watchful.

Mrs Arroyo imposed the emergency regulations on 24 February, just before planned protests to mark the 20th anniversary of the uprising that ousted dictator Ferdinand Marcos.

The decree, which was lifted last Friday, expanded the powers of the military and police, banned rallies and permitted arrests without warrants.

Mrs Arroyo said she needed decree to thwart an alleged coup plot involving communist rebels, "misguided" soldiers, opposition politicians and businessmen.

At least 16 people have been arrested in connection with the alleged coup plot, including several lawmakers and soldiers.