Erap, Sin reconciled before death of cardinal
Sept 03, 2005
Detained President Joseph Estrada and his erstwhile nemesis the late Manila Archbishop Jaime Cardinal Sin had reconciled with each other two weeks before the cardinal's death in June 2005.
(Daily Tribune, August 16, 2005) This revelation was made in open court by Estrada's surprise witness, Father James Reuter, a Jesuit priest and director of the office of Mass Media for the Catholic Church of the Philippines before the Sandiganbayan Special Division yesterday.
Reuter, the 67th witness for the defense said during yesterday hearing of the plunder case that Sin had accepted Estrada's conciliatory gesture through a letter when the detained leader asked to visit the ailing archbishop after learning about Sin's failing health.
Reuter was presented by Estrada's defense lawyer, Rene Saguisag, to elaborate on his many column items which pointed out that Estrada had been demonized by the civil society without the group giving him the opportunity to present his side of the controversy and his humane nature.
“It is our purpose to present before the justices the other side of President Estrada before they decide on this case which carries the penalty of death through lethal injection,” Saguisag stressed.
The defense lawyer added Estrada was a victim of a very vicious trial by publicity that led to his downfall without the benefit of his side being heard.
There were also many Filipinos who did not join the indignation rallies against Estrada and yet suffered following the collapse of his administration.
Reuter told the court it was Estrada, whom he referred to as Erap during his testimony, who personally requested him to initiate reconciliation moves with the ailing cardinal, stressing it was the desire of Estrada to personally visit with the ailing prelate.
Reuter, however, added this meeting failed to push through.
At that time, Sin was already seriously ill but still managed to express his concern for Estrada's health and security.
Through Reuter, the two managed to exchange letters. Cardinal Sin's last letter to Estrada expressed his whole-hearted acceptance of the reconciliation offer and blessed the detained leader.
“Cardinal Sin replied to Erap (Estrada) in a very beautiful letter,” Reuter testified. “He said he had forgotten any mistake Erap may have made “ and pointed out that, as Estrada would be accompanied by security escorts that might attract the attention of reporters. He said the media were bound to misinterpret the visit,” Reuter told the justices of the Special Division.
It will be recalled that Estrada and his camp had openly accused the late cardinal of conspiring with the elite and members of the so-called civil society to oust him from power in 2001.
Reuter made four visits to the President's detention place in Tanay, Rizal.
“I thought it was a very good gesture on the part of Erap to seek reconciliation with Cardinal Sin,” Reuter said.
The priest during examination admitted he is close to the former president since he saw personally the soft spot Estrada has for the poor on various occasions.
He cited a particular incident when, during the Estrada administration, businessman Alfonso Yuchengo donated P15 million to the Our lady of Peace Mission Hospital in Parañaque City to build a charity ward.
Despite the donation, however, they could not begin construction without an assurance of maintenance, which was estimated to cost at least P1 million a month. The priest said he did not hesitate to approach the former President for help, and fortunately Estrada did not turn him down.
“He asked me how much it was all going to cost. I was blushing when I told him, P1 million a month.”
Estrada, Reuter recounted to the court, said: “I'll give you one and a half million (pesos).” Then I asked him when we could expect the money and he replied, 'Tomorrow'.”
This resulted in the fast-track construction of the hospital which is currently fully operational. The P1.5-million maintenance fund previously approved by Estrada was continued by the government of Mrs. Arroyo.
He also noted the mission has survived largely on the basis of the maintenance donation.
“It is hard to believe the charges against a person with such a humane (side),” Reuter said.
During the initial stage of the hearing, the open court heard the petition of Estrada to be allowed on Saturday, Aug. 20, to go to the Cardinal Santos Memorial Hospital in San Juan for a medical check-up and to attend the El Shaddai prayer mass at the Luneta on the occasion of the group's anniversary.
Chief Special Prosecutor Dennis Villa Ignacio did not object to the medical check-up but vehemently opposed his request to attend mass at the Luneta for security reasons.
But former Manila Fiscal Jose Flaminiano pointed out that security would not be a problem because there would be many prominent personalities, including the President, who would be in attendance.
Flaminiano also assured the court that Estrada will not deliver any political speeches during the occasion but will be there to join the nation in prayers “as we now need the collective prayers of all Filipinos who turn to the Almighty to resolve the current economic and political crisis facing our nation.”
Erap, Sin reconciled before death of cardinal