Speaking in her weekly radio address, Arroyo said the reforms began even before the July 27 mutiny led by rebel soldiers who accused her government of corruption and engaging in terrorism.

"The reforms we are undertaking in the armed forces are not a result of the failed mutiny. The government knows it must respond to the grievances of our soldiers but no matter what, (soldiers) cannot take the law into our own hands," Arroyo said.

She cited her efforts to raise the salaries of soldiers and provide them with subsidized housing.

To curb alleged cases of higher officers skimming off military purchases, Arroyo said she was transfering military appropriations away from the armed forces and to the budget department.

She also approved the release of 100 million pesos (1.8 million dollars) to provide military boots and other equipment to soldiers in the field while ordering that decorated combat troops get first priority in receiving military benefits like housing and scholarships.

She commended the military and police, remarking that only a small group of soldiers took part in the July 27 mutiny which her government has said was a coup attempt to topple and possibly assassinate the president.

The arrested ringleaders of the mutiny have since declared that their armed takeover of the Makati financial district on July 27 was a protest action over alleged corruption and abuses by higher officers but the government said they are just hiding their plans for a coup.

"The truth is that most of the soldiers were peacefully carrying out their duties because they know the sacrifices that are demanded of them as part of their calling," Arroyo said.

The mutiny, by some 300 soldiers, collapsed in less than 24 hours and the rebel soldiers have all been detained and will be charged. However, the government has said that the masterminds behind the scheme are still at large.

WAR.WIRE