Rally Backs Philippine President

MANILA — Matching masses against masses, supporters of Philippine President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo held their own rally Saturday to counter suggestions that all Filipinos want her to quit over vote-rigging allegations.

Police estimated the turnout at 250,000, but it appeared to be less than 100,000 -- the second time in a week that official figures seemed skewed in the government’s favor.

Nevertheless, the crowd was at least double the size of an opposition rally Wednesday. That could give Arroyo the boost she needs to survive the political crisis that erupted six weeks ago when it was revealed that she had talked to an election official before the final results were announced in last year’s presidential balloting.

The opposition has accused her of fraud; she has denied any wrongdoing.

Huge “people power” demonstrations helped oust dictator Ferdinand E. Marcos in 1986 and Arroyo’s predecessor, President Joseph Estrada, in 2001.

Arroyo has shrugged off almost daily protests so far.

A survey by respected pollster Social Weather Stations reported Friday that 62% of those surveyed said Arroyo should resign, and 85% said she should be impeached if she doesn’t quit.