MANILA, Philippines — Lawmakers on Friday warned against potential abuses by the Arroyo administration after a high terror alert in Metro Manila was declared by the military last Wednesday.

In a text message, Muntinlupa Rep. Rufino Biazon said the government should strike a balance between implementing tighter security measures versus protecting the rights of the citizens and guarding against abuse by authorities.

Biazon said the authorities should clearly lay down the parameters of its security measures in order to enlighten the public on what the military should do and should not do.

In a statement, Anakpawis party-list Rep. Joel Maglunsod said the adoption of extraordinary security measures supposedly intended to thwart alleged terrorist action were being used to harass and preclude legitimate protests from sectors opposing Charter Change and Arroyo’s moves to stay in power beyond 2010.

Maglunsod said the authorities could abuse their power by enforcing “arbitrary security measures including clearing operations in communities in the peripheries of Batasang Pambansa” aimed against protesters and not terrorists.

“This situation reflects political instability and insecurity of Arroyo’s leadership,” said Maglunsod.