Whenever something untoward happens in the Philippines these days - whether it's manmade or natural - the word 'coup' is instantly on everyone's lips.
The biggest earthquake to rock the capital since 1987, along with two power failures in 48 hours, has had radio and TV airwaves awash with rumours of attempts to overthrow President Joseph Estrada.
Measuring 6.8 on the Richter scale and centred 190km northwest of Manila in Pangasinan province, the quake shook people from their beds at 2.03am yesterday, leaving three dead and 24 injured.
For about three minutes, electricity poles toppled and buildings swayed, knocking objects off tables and cracking walls. Guests were evacuated from luxury hotels and patients were removed from at least two hospitals.
Power failed instantly and frightened people tumbled into the streets or cowered under tables and doorways. But the damage was minor and electricity returned soon after the ground stopped quivering.
As on Friday night, when the lights also suddenly went out across much of the main northern island of Luzon - apparently because of a power-station mishap - the reaction on radio talk-back shows was instant: that a rebel group opposed to Mr Estrada was attempting to overthrow his Government.