MANILA: Civil society groups and militant activists in the Philippines continue to call for President Gloria Arroyo's resignation.

They accused the president of failing to fulfil the promises she made when she assumed her post in 2001.

More anti-government rallies are expected next week.

They helped President Gloria Arroyo rise to power in 2001, when they staged a four-day revolt that led to the ouster of Joseph Estrada. But now they've come together to call on her to step down.

After seven years, militant and civil society groups said, they've had enough of President Arroyo. They said they cannot wait until the 2010 presidential elections to change the nation's leadership.

Mrs Arroyo and several members of her administration have been linked to a string of corruption scandals.

In a recent public opinion poll, respondents even called the president the "most corrupt" leader in the country's history.

Brother Armin Luistro, Member of the Resign Arroyo Movement, said: “Corruption has become more blatant at the highest levels and abuse of authority is rampant. Betrayal of the national interest is commonplace."

This is why instead of celebrating the fruits of the second People Power Revolution seven years ago, militant activists and civil society groups staged this protest march to the People Power Shrine.

However, the cops deployed around the area prevented the crowd from gathering inside and protesters had to settle for a candlelighting ceremony at the foot of the shrine.

Authorities are on alert amid reports of plots to destabilise the government.

The military chief of staff said they've uncovered a well-financed coup plot, following the arrest of four former army rangers and a former marine corporal. -CNA/vm