NEWSFLASH

ERAP REAFFIRMS COMMITMENT TO DEMOCRACY, FREEDOM

Batasang Pambansa, QC, July 27, 1999 - President Estrada yesterday pledged to continue upholding the Constitution and protecting all freedoms, as he reaffirmed his"unwavering commitment to democracy" and pushed for the eradication of poverty and complete the rehabilitation of the economy.

In his second State-of-the-Nation Address before a joint session of the 11th Congress at the Batasang Pambansa in Quezon City, President Estrada also lashed out at his detractors who, he said, criticize his every initiative, whether success or failure.

"Freedom without responsibility is a potent formula for chaos, anarchy, and lawlessness," the President stated as he reminded the public that liberty without responsibility is license.

Freedom without responsibility, the President observed, "does not confer the right to violate the law or the rights of others," and is a perfect prescription for public disorder and confusion.

The President, together with the First Lady, Dr. Loi Ejercito Estrada, arrived at the Batasang Pambansa complex aboard a helicopter moments yesterday and later delivered his report to the nation in both Filipino and English.

His sixty seven- minute report to the nation was punctuated by applause, especially on issues involving media responsibility and the modest but positive growth of the nation's economy in the aftermath of the Asian financial crisis.

The President reminded them of the public passion to preserve freedom at all cost. saying he is prepared to put his life on the line to protect democratic principles as enshrined in the Constitution.

"Freedom may have been lost before. It will never be lost again. Our people will see to that," the President stressed at the outset of his address. "I will always uphold freedom in all its various form including the freedom of speech, of the press, of worship, of assembly, and of choice. None of these freedoms is under threat."

President Estrada ended his address to the nation with a quote from Abraham Lincoln who said:

"If I were to try to read, much less answer all the attacks made on me, this shop might as well be closed for any other business. I do the very best I know how, the very best I can, and I mean to keep doing so until the end. If the end brings me out all right, what's is said against me won't amount to anything. If the end brings me out wrong, ten angels swearing I was right would make no difference."

Citing surveys showing him enjoying vast public support, President Estrada made this observation:

"According to the surveys, millions of Filipinos are saying I am right. Between Lincoln's ten angels and the millions of my own countrymen, I choose to believe my countrymen."

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Reported by: Sol Jose Vanzi