ARCHBISHOP VIDAL: PARDON PAVES WAY FOR NATIONAL RECONCILIATION
MANILA, OCTOBER 27, 2007 (STAR) By Edu Punay - Cebu Archbishop Ricardo Cardinal Vidal described yesterday the executive clemency granted by President Arroyo to former President Joseph Estrada as an act that “mirrors God’s eternal wisdom and mercy as espoused in the Gospels.”Vidal, the most senior member of the country’s Catholic hierarchy, expressed hope that such a move would lead to national reconciliation.
“The Church advocates justice and reconciliation as one of the fundamental tenets of the faith. As a basic principle, the church believes that God’s mercy is boundless for repentant sinners,” Vidal said in a statement sent to The STAR.
He stressed, however, that for the purpose of pardon not to be defeated, Estrada should “first acknowledge his sins, seek forgiveness and make amends for damages done and to turn away from the errors of the past” and also “do his part in advancing the cause of national reconciliation, peace, social stability and national progress.”
Vidal on Thursday sent President Arroyo a letter, also signed by Senate President Manny Villar and Speaker Jose De Venecia, asking her to grant absolute pardon to Estrada.
“What is astounding, and which compounds the problem, is that he continues to enjoy the affection of a great number of people. Strange as it may seem, their belief in his innocence of the offenses he is accused of does not appear to have been diminished by the Sandiganbayan’s decision. To add to his tragedy, his mother is critically ill,” the letter read.
Two prelates, Bishop Camillo Gregorio and Butuan Bishop Juan De Dios Pueblos, shared Vidal’s sentiments.
In a text message to The STAR, they said that although conditions should be imposed, the grant of pardon was “very Christian”, opposing the opinion of several other prelates including Lingayen-Dagupan Archbishop Oscar Cruz and Caloocan Bishop Deogracias Iniguez Jr., who said that the move was for the sake of political accommodation.
Legal requirements met
Malacanang’s grant of executive clemency on former President Estrada has met all the legal requirements, acting Justice Secretary Agnes Devanadera said yesterday.
Devanadera told reporters that although Article VII, Section 19 of the Constitution states that an official who has been impeached cannot be given pardon, she stressed that Estrada was convicted of plunder and was not impeached.
She said that although an impeachment complaint was filed against Estrada and was transmitted to the Senate, it was aborted when calls for Estrada’s resignation mounted, prompting him to leave Malacañang in January 2001.
According to Devanadera, a vacancy in the presidency was declared by the Supreme Court in the case of Estrada vs. Arroyo with “constructive resignation” as basis, adding that there was no rush in the processing of the pardon request.
She said that the only requirement under the Constitution for executive clemency to be perfected is that there must be a final conviction of the case.
Cruel critics
Environment Secretary Lito Atienza called some groups’ plan to question the presidential pardon of Estrada as a “cruel move” intended to keep “political wounds” of the country open.
He said the removal from office of Estrada and his six-year imprisonment is already recorded in the annals of Philippine history that will remind future leaders that even a President can go to jail.
He also said it cannot be disputed that Estrada is an influential figure who can be of great help in pushing the country towards progress and development.
Vice President Noli De Castro urged Estrada to use the pardon granted by President Arroyo to unite the country.
De Castro, who batted for a presidential pardon for Estrada after the Sandiganbayan handed down its verdict, said that pardon is the first step towards national reconciliation.
Opposition senators, meanwhile, called on anti-Estrada groups to accept the pardon to Estrada.
Sen. Jinggoy Estrada, in a statement from Geneva, Switzerland, said the move is a big step to end divisive politics.
Estrada also reiterated his and the family’s sincerest gratitude to Mrs. Arroyo for approving his father’s pardon. The senator, however, refused to call Mrs. Arroyo “president.”
Senate President Manuel Villar Jr. joined Estrada in defending his father’s pardon although many question its timing.
According to Villar, the Senate’s inquiries will continue even if the issues pertaining to corruption and bribery in the present administration were temporarily sidelined because of Estrada’s pardon.
Sen. Ramon Revilla Jr., for his part, was dismayed over the negative reports that came out over Estrada’s pardon, saying that Filipinos cannot seem to transcend politicking.
LGU support
Local government units have also expressed support for Estrada’s pardon.
Manila Mayor Alfredo Lim, president of Estrada’s political party Partido ng Masang Pilipino, assured the public that the former president no longer plans to re-enter politics based on their conversations.
There is, however, a remote possibility that Estrada, a former action star, would revive his long interrupted showbiz career.
“Probably he will make a movie,” Lim said.
Muntinlupa City Mayor Aldrin San Pedro said President Arroyo’s action is a clear indication of reconciliation efforts.
Pangasinan Gov. Amado Espino Jr. said the presidential pardon was okay for the sake of national reconciliation but the process of granting the pardon should be clarified.
Cagayan Gov. Alvaro Antonio, Isabela Vice Gov. Ramon Reyes and Mayor Fernando Cumigad reiterated that pardon is the President’s call and must be respected.
The Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry and the National Labor Union also believe that Estrada’s pardon would lead to greater stability for the country. -With Perseus Echeminada, Delon Porcalla, Mike Frialde, Paolo Romero, Christina Mendez, Pia Lee-Brago, Evelyn Macairan, Rhodina Villanueva, Eva Visperas, Dino Balabo, Charlie Lagasca
Chief News Editor: Sol Jose Vanzi
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by PHILIPPINE HEADLINE NEWS ONLINE
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