BBC News Online: World: Asia-Pacific

Philippines president widens crackdown

On Tuesday, Senator Juan Ponce Enrile and two other senators were arrested for their alleged involvement in some of the worst street riots in 15 years in Manila, which were sparked off by Mr Estrada's arrest on corruption charges last week.

"At 66 years old, with a heart ailment and a diabetic, there is no rhyme or reason for me to engage in any stressful political adventurism," Mr Maceda said in the statement.

Mrs Arroyo has declared a "state of rebellion", two steps away from martial law, which allows her to call in the army.

A former vice-president who came to power in January following a popular uprising in the streets led by Manila's middle class, she has said she would not allow any demonstrations in central Manila.

More arrests

Arrest orders have also been issued for several other opposition figures, including former national police chief Panfilo Lacson and Senator Miriam Santiago.

Mrs Arroyo has claimed they were trying to "bring down the legitimate government so they could set up their own junta."

She said she would not impose martial law, but added she could reconsider.

"I hope they don't provoke me," she said.

Tense night

The BBC's Damian Grammaticas in Manila said at the height of the standoff, up to 20,000 protesters had clogged the streets leading to the palace.

The authorities say the toll of those killed in the protests has risen to four - three protesters and one policemen.

Leading the protests, Mr Estrada's son Joseph Victor Ejercito told the BBC that the march had not been organised, but the people were "mad" and could not be stopped.

The jailed former leader is now staying at a special police camp outside Manila where a special detention centre has been constructed for him.

He is in custody facing a charge of economic plunder which carries a possible death sentence.