<P> Most recently, President Gloria Macapagal - Arroyo of the Philippines declared a state of rebellion in July 2003 after a coup attempt by supporters of the former President, Joseph Estrada . That was the second time she had used the state of rebellion to quash opposition . </P> <P> The term "state of rebellion" is a euphemism favored by those in power in the Philippines because former dictator Ferdinand Marcos ruled under martial law for nine years . Under his rule, martial law was used as an excuse for torture and other human rights abuses . Thus a new term was coined to grant the President similar powers without unwanted comparisons to Marcos . </P>

President's authority to declare a state of rebellion