NEWSFLASH

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ESTRADA IN FUND RAISING DRIVE FOR ALMA'S BAIL

Manila, Aug. 3, 1998 - President Joseph Estrada has offered to personally start a fund-raising campaign to raise the $50,000 bail bond for actress/beauty queen Alma Concepcion, who was arrested in Guam for possession of "shabu" or methamphetamine hydrochloride, also known as "ice."

Raising funds from the private sector was suggested by the President after turning down a proposal to use government funds Alma's bail bond.

"Marami naman sigurong tutulong-tulong at meron din namang mga private citizens na magko-contribute para makatulong. Magpapa-fund-raising tayo kung kakailanganin," the President said over radio station DZRH. [I know that there are a lot of people out there who would be more than willing to contribute to help. We'll start a fund-raising drive if necessary.]

Senate President Pro-Tempore Blas Ople had earlier suggested that the government should tap the $100-million legal assistance fund for Filipino overseas contract workers (OCWs). Ople, who also chairs the Senate foreign relations committee, said the government could help Concepcion raise the bail bond by using the fund for distressed migrant workers.

But Estrada clarified that the former Binibining Pilipinas does not qualify and could not be classified as an Overseas Contract Worker.

"Hindi natin puwedeng pakiala-man ang pera ng OCWs, hindi siya nasasakop doon," the President said. [We can't touch the OCW's fund because she is not an OCW.] "Hanggang legal assistance lang ang ipagkakaloob (ng gobyerno) kay Alma," the President said. [The only help the government can provide Alma is legal assistance.]

The actress' family has said it could not raise the money for her bail.