Saturday, October 27, 2007 Glo, Noli defend Erap pardon
VICE President Noli de Castro yesterday said that former president Joseph Estrada deserves the pardon granted to him by President Arroyo last Thursday.
De Castro said during a press conference at the Cebu City Waterfront Hotel that he is one of those who urged Arroyo to pardon Estrada so the nation can move on and the Filipino people can unite for a common good.
“I always said that Erap should be pardoned for national reconciliation not only for Erap but for the whole country, so we can move economically, politically, socially and everything,” de Castro said.
The vice president believes that Estrada is still an influential person in Philippine politics and his conviction by the Sandiganbayan has not even affected his image as a leader.
He refused to comment on the statement of former president Fidel Ramos that the pardon was a “terrible calamity to the great, great, great majority of the Filipino people who have suffered from the plunder.”
“I cannot comment on that. We differ in opinions,” de Castro said.
In a speech before businessmen in Manila, the President said her decision had been based on Estrada’s age, time served, his mother’s failing health and his assurances that he will not attempt to recover stolen money or seek elected office again.
Police Regional Office 7 Director Ronald Roderos, in a separate interview, said that all police officers are “free” to say what they think about the President’s granting executive clemency to Estrada.
However, he warned that “any overt actions” against the law will result in their arrest.
Roderos said their commander-in-chief has made her decision and that as her subordinates, they will heed her.
The police, he said, are ready “for any eventuality” in case protest actions will be launched against Arroyo’s action.
As to his personal opinion, Roderos said he will support the President’s decision, saying she has the authority to issue the executive clemency and that she had basis to do so.
The vice president said the judicial process was followed and that Estrada was tried and convicted. He was also placed under house arrest for six year.
“He was not convicted and sentenced to life imprisonment without due process,” de Castro said.
When asked if the pardon will become a precedent for others to commit plunder while in office and seek pardon if they get convicted, de Castro said that it will be an individual’s decision.
“Kung gagawa ka naman ng kalokohan eh di bahala ka sa buhay mo,” de Castro said.
The vice president was interviewed shortly after he delivered a speech before a convention of a group of realtors.
De Castro said he will help real estate developers in dealing with problematic agencies, especially in the local government level.
He said he can help solve the problems of developers at the national level because the National Housing Authority, Home Mutual Development Fund (Pag-Ibig), Housing Land Use and Regulatory Board and the Housing and Urban Development Coordinating Council are under him.
He wants a faster issuance of development and building permits by the barangay, municipal and city governments where developers have problems. (EOB/With MEA/(AFP)
