The former president, Joseph Ejercito Estrada, is again free. Yesterday Secretary Ignacio Bunye announced the pardon given by Pres. Gloria Macapagal Arroyo to the former president of the Republic of the Philippines.
Many were skeptic in the immediate pardon or presidential clemency that was given because it was just recently that the former president was convicted by the court as guilty of the charges filed against him and was sentenced to Reclusión perpetua. Many believed that it was a cover up for the alleged bribing in the government as the governor of Pampanga would say. Former president, Fidel V. Ramos also express his sentiments about the immediate pardon saying that it was too early.
After the pardon, what's next for the former president? Will he stay and remain silent in all the issues against the government? I think this will be another chapter in Philippine politics. Let us just hope that this pardon will be the key for national unity and for progress.
Joseph Estrada
pardon
ERAP
