We have this very important order signed by the President a few minutes ago. Let me read.
Whereas this administration has a policy of releasing inmates who have reached the age of 70;
Whereas, Joseph Ejercito Estrada has been under detention for six and a half years;
Whereas, Joseph Ejercito Estrada has publicly committed to no longer seek any elective position or office;
In view hereof and pursuant to the authority conferred upon me by the Constitution, I hereby grant executive clemency to Joseph Ejercito Estrada convicted by the Sandiganbayan of plunder and imposed a penalty of reclusion perpetua;
He is hereby restored to his civil and political rights;
The forfeitures imposed by the Sandiganbayan remain in force and in full including all writs and processes issued by the Sandiganbayan in pursuant hereof except for the bank accounts he owned before his tenure as president;
Upon acceptance of this pardon by Joseph Ejercito Estrada, this pardon shall take effect given under my hand at the City of Manila this 25th day of October in the year of our Lord 2007.
Signed,
Gloria M. Arroyo
Attested
Ignacio R. Bunye
Acting Executive Secretary
Senator Manny Villar said that the pardon is “a great step toward reconciliation which emphasizes the value of humane consideration and compassionate justice.”
Former President Fidel V. Ramos called the pardon “a terrible calamity to the great, great, great majority of the Filipino people who have suffered from the plunder.”
Hmm…
