MANILA, Philippines – (UPDATE) The Integrated Bar of the Philippines and other lawyers' organizations have joined calls for the resignation of President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo amid allegations of corruption in connection with the scrapped national broadband network project.

Feliciano Bautista, IBP president, said in a press conference Thursday that Arroyo disregarded laws when she approved the anomalous telecommunications contract with China's ZTE Corporation.

Reading from a prepared statement, Bautista said the IBP "condemns the blatant disregard for Constitution" and attempts to "suppress truth" with the supposed abduction of NBN witness Rodolfo "Jun" Lozada.

"We condemn the executive department's use of the legal processes and institutions to suppress the truth and shield corrupt public officials," said Bautista.

Bautista said that should Arroyo resign, the most ideal successor would be the Vice President, Noli de Castro in this case.

When asked however if De Castro was acceptable, Bautista said it was not about the person but the office.

The lawyers also said they would attend the inter-faith rally in Makati City Friday.

With the IBP were members of Concerned Lawyers for Civil Liberties (Codal), Alternative Law Groups, Inc., among others.