Arroyo vows to fight back as coup rumors hit Philippine markets

0 Comments | AFP, June, 2005

MANILA (AFP) — Philippine President Gloria Arroyo has vowed to fight back against plotters she said were trying to bring down her government as rumours about a possible coup hit financial markets hard.

As stocks fell nearly three percent and the armed forces put troops in Manila on alert, Arroyo denied opposition allegations she rigged the 2004 presidential elections and insisted she had the full support of the military.

In a live radio interview, Arroyo also appealed to the people of the Southeast Asian nation to be patient as she put in place painful fiscal reforms aimed at preventing the country defaulting on its debt payments.

"I won't be stopped from doing my job to revive the economy," Arroyo said on DZRH radio.

"I am saddened that while I am...