As the Philippines heads toward what appears to be yet another in a seemingly endless series of constitutional crises, President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo has two basic choices: the rule of the fist or the rule of law.

Arroyo and her opponents should choose the latter. The best hope for the future of the Philippines is to reinforce the rule of law.

In this case, it might mean putting Arroyo's future in the hands of an impeachment trial in the National Congress. Some say that as a practical matter, this should not amount to any great threat since the president appears to have a comfortable majority of supporters within the Congress.

The other option, of course, is outright resignation, as her opponents suggest.

This was the option favored by former President Corazon Aquino in a televised statement.

Either option represents another sad chapter in Philippine political history, where leaders too often have backed down in the face of public outrage.

Still, if Arroyo fails to act, there is a strong possibility that the military might step in to restore order and set back the march to full democracy. That would be a shame.

The United States offers historical context to both options facing Arroyo. Richard Nixon resigned in the face of strong public opposition and the likely prospect of impeachment. Bill Clinton took on an impeachment challenge and survived.

In both cases, so did the Republic.

So, too will the Philippines if President Arroyo recognizes that she has lost her legitimacy and her mandate.