Saturday, November 03, 2007
4 Cebu allies stand by Gloria on pardon
SOME Cebu congressmen would rather not question President Arroyo’s decision to pardon deposed president Joseph Estrada, barely six weeks since his plunder conviction.
“It’s the President’s prerogative. A pardon is as much a part of the judicial process as imprisonment is,” said Rep. Pablo John Garcia (Cebu Province, 3rd district).
“Whether it is good for the country or not, it is the President’s call and she has made that call,” the lawyer added.
Deputy House Speaker Raul del Mar (Cebu City, north district) chose to keep mum on the issue.
“That’s no longer news as (the) issue has been sufficiently discussed,” he said in a text message to Sun.Star Cebu.
Earlier, Rep. Eduardo Gullas (Cebu Province, 1st district) defended Arroyo’s move, saying it was prudent and that she was fully aware of her action.
“I’ve known her for some time and I’m sure she has deliberately studied the pros and cons of her action,” he had said.
Like Garcia, Gullas, a veteran Cebuano lawmaker, believes Arroyo’s decision to pardon Estrada was “constitutionally and politically correct.”
Gullas pointed out that the 1935, 1973 and 1987 Constitutions give the President the power to grant executive clemency.
Rep. Benhur Salimbangon (Cebu Province, 4th district) also agreed with the administration’s stance that the pardon is the first step for the country’s peace and reconciliation.
“If the camps of Estrada and Arroyo will work together, maybe there will be better administration,” Salimbangon said.
As to how the pardon will affect the country, “it is a political decision that can be considered risky, but the President chose to take that risk,” Garcia added. (JGA)
For Bisaya stories from Cebu. Click here. (November 3, 2007 issue)
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