Arroyo Aides Quit; Alert Called

The Philippine capital’s police force went on full alert today and reinforcements were securing the presidential palace after several Cabinet members resigned and called on President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo to step down.

It was the latest blow to Arroyo, who is embroiled in accusations that she talked to an election official about ensuring a million-vote victory in last year’s presidential vote.

The backbone of Arroyo’s economic team -- her trade, economic and budget secretaries -- were among the 10 Cabinet members who abandoned her.

That was certain to send another shudder through the slumping stock market as Arroyo looked increasingly isolated. Her office had no immediate comment today.

The move came after Arroyo gave a hastily arranged radio address Thursday night, saying she would not step down and asking her entire Cabinet to resign to give her maneuvering room to survive her biggest crisis.

Several of Arroyo’s closest advisors in the Cabinet backed her, but others lashed back at her today.

“The longer the president stays in office under a cloud of doubt

Arroyo said Thursday that her new Cabinet would handle governance while she focused on changes to the constitution and political system.

Roman Catholic professors and a Protestant church group Thursday joined the calls for her resignation, and a three-star general quit in a move apparently linked to the scandal.