If estrada is freed on recognizance: Vidal won't say no as Erap custodian
Jan 21, 2006
If the Sandiganbayan rules in favor of former president Joseph Estrada, Cebu Archbishop Ricardo Cardinal Vidal has no qualms about having his long-time friend under his custody.
(The Freeman, 01/18/2006) This does not however mean that Estrada will be flown to Cebu to be with the cardinal if the request of his lawyers that the former president be released on recognizance either to Vidal or to his wife Senator Luisa 'Loi' Ejercito (Estrada) will be granted.
What worries Vidal is that this might also set a precedent and other people who are in jail would also ask for the same privilege.
Msgr. Achilles Dakay, media liaison officer of the Cebu Archdiocese, yesterday said that while Vidal did not categorically affirm the matter, the cardinal reportedly did not have any objections to being chosen as one of Estrada's possible custodians.
However, Vidal wanted to clarify and correct interpretations that Estrada will literally have to be under his care should the former president be released on recognizance.
Estrada has argued at the anti-graft court that he be given the same legal option given to the four American servicemen accused of raping a Filipina in Subic.
"He did not show any objections...understandably, there are many misconceptions but definitely, Erap will not be brought to Cebu," Dakay said.
The Monsignor added that he believes the act is "morally right" for the sake of peacemaking.
The idea, Dakay said, is that Estrada will remain in Manila and Vidal would be responsible to produce him when directed by the court.
As of yesterday, Vidal reportedly has not communicated with the Estradas and reportedly has not been informed why Estrada chose him to be custodian.
But, Dakay said, friendship is the most obvious reason considering that Erap and Vidal have been friends for a long time.
"That's obvious...they've been open to each other," Dakay said.
In fact, Dakay added, the idea to have Erap placed under house arrest was reportedly that of Vidal. Dakay said Vidal also told him he had talked to President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo and requested to "put an end" to the controversies in government, among which are Estrada's continuing trial and the "Hello Garci" issue.
Putting an end, Dakay said, may not necessarily mean to curtail, but expedite the process of the trial against Estrada. However, Arroyo reportedly told Vidal she could not dip her finger into a matter that is with the judiciary. Then again, Vidal reportedly commented the president could still use her influence.
But, while the cardinal talked to Arroyo about something that may be considered political, Vidal ironically refused the invitation to be part of the Council of State, describing the council as too political.
As inscribed in the official website of the Philippine government, the Council of State is a forum for the exchange of ideas fostering of national cooperation, proposing meaningful reforms in government, and advising the president on matters of public policy.
Dakay said, the cardinal's supposed conversation with the president is not tantamount to the church dipping its finger into political affairs, because even priests can talk about issues in their sermons. Dakay said it could be that Vidal was asked for advice, something that is requested of people who are credible enough to give such.
If estrada is freed on recognizance: Vidal won't say no as Erap custodian