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Monday, October 29, 2007
Estrada camp junks talks to any gov’t post offer
MANILA -- Deposed president Joseph Estrada will not accept a government position should he be offered one, and will instead devote his time as a free man to the care of his ailing 102-year-old mother.
His wife, former senator Ma. Luisa “Loi” Ejercito, revealed this Sunday and added that Estrada was in no way eyeing any new role in the government.
Malacanang's pardon order
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“There hasn’t been any offer, but if there was one, he would not accept it,” she said.
The former president was freed on Friday after six years in detention, and only about six weeks since the Sandiganbayan sentenced him to life imprisonment for plunder.
When he was freed, Estrada said he would not run for any political office but would focus on helping the poor, prompting speculation he could join the Arroyo administration in an anti-poverty capacity.
Malacañang on Saturday floated a possible offer of a government post to Estrada, in media interviews with Acting Executive Secretary Ignacio Bunye and Presidential Management Staff Director Cerge Remonde.
Estrada, in his acceptance of the executive clemency, said he would retire from politics but added he would dedicate his remaining years to serving the poor.
Bunye, who is also the presidential spokesman, said it has been President Arroyo’s primary agenda to implement effective governance to uplift the poor. Asked if Estrada could be tapped to head the National Anti-Poverty Commission, Bunye was evasive.
For his part, Remonde said Estrada is welcome to join the Arroyo government if he wishes to. He, however, also said such a decision must come from President Arroyo.
Undersecretary Tonypet Albano, executive director of the Office of the Political Coalition Affairs in Malacañang, commended Estrada’s statement of reconciliation and support for the country to move towards political, social and economic stability.
Albano said the President’s decision to pardon Estrada showed her being “a genuine leader who can act fast with courage amid criticisms, to decide for the greater good of the country.” (AP/AH/Sunnex)
For more Philippine news, visit Sun.Star Manila. (October 29, 2007 issue)
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