Philippine President Benigno Aquino walking a tightrope

Philippine President Benigno Aquino is no Ferdinand Marcos, the dictator toppled 29 years ago by a popular uprising dubbed the People Power Revolution. Yet discontent with the presidency is such that there is growing agitation for a movement similar to that which swept the hated regime aside and finished with his mother, Corazon Aquino, at the head of a democratically elected government. Even relatives have joined calls for his resignation, contending the administration is so flawed that it should be replaced by an advisory council that can institute political and electoral reforms. For now, it seems unlikely that millions will be moved to take to the streets, but presidential policies and plans could be curtailed or stalled.

Three groups - one including Corazon Aquino's brother and his wife, both former lawmakers; another including a cardinal and bishops of the influential Catholic Church; and a third, a radical left-wing political party - are pushing for a return of People Power. Their protests are drawing only thousands to the streets. The president is taking their tactics seriously, though, with officials speaking of violations of the sedition law and warning against a coup. Filipinos fought hard for their democracy and the president has to avoid overreacting.

Alleged abuse of power is behind the protests. Beyond the claims of corruption is a botched commando raid on Muslim insurgents on southern Mindanao Island on January 25 that killed a suspect in the 2002 Bali bombings, but also left 44 officers dead. Benigno Aquino is claimed to have had a hand in the secretive planning, adding to the outrage, and a peace pact with separatist Muslims in Mindanao that he has devoted much of his energies to could be in jeopardy.

The economy is still performing well and Aquino's approval ratings have not worryingly dipped. But the president is well aware that corruption and plunder charges tainted the legacies of his two immediate predecessors. He, and his rivals, have to tread carefully lest they trample on the People Power spirit that has inspired democracy-seekers the world over.