Saturday, October 27, 2007 Loren supports pardon By Carlo P. Mallo
THE release of deposed President Joseph Ejercito Estrada from detention after President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo granted him executive clemency Thursday night might just be what the country needs to finally heal the wounds of division, said a close ally of Estrada.
In an interview with Sun.Star Davao Friday, Senator Loren Legarda said the granting of the pardon was a welcome move of President Arroyo. Still, it will not hinder the opposition from making the current administration accountable for its sins of corruption.
"I am glad he (Estrada) accepted the pardon," Legarda said. The senator also added it is about time that the former president is freed considering that he is already 70 years old.
"Matagal na rin siyang nagdusa (He has suffered for quite sometime), he had more than enough time to think things over," Legarda said.
Estrada sought pardon from President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo upon the recommendation of his lawyers. The lawyers of Estrada were convinced that it would be impossible for the Supreme Court to reverse the ruling of the Sandiganbayan.
Estrada was deposed by a popular upheaval following a prematurely aborted impeachment trial. Estrada was later tried and convicted in the Sandiganbayan on charges of plunder.
The release of Estrada, according to Legarda, will not be a welcome development for everyone. "Some politicians and sectors will not be happy," Legarda said.
Moreover, Legarda is confident that the release of Estrada will further stabilize the economy. "Any step that is geared for the healing of wounds will definitely stabilize the economy," Legarda said.
Despite the granting of the pardon, Legarda said the opposition would still remain steadfast to its commitment to make the incumbent regime accountable for its wrongdoings.
"The opposition will continue to investigate on government malfeasance," Legarda said.
"We are not an opposition that is out to destabilize the government," she added.
