Estrada seeks comfort from Cardinal Vidal
Aug 14, 2007
Former president Joseph Estrada, who is facing charges of plunder and perjury, has talked about his fears of getting an unfavorable decision from the Sandiganbayan with a priest whom he considers a friend and spiritual adviser.
(abs-cbnnews.com, August 14, 2007) Cebu Archbishop Ricardo Cardinal Vidal said Estrada has sought for his advice about what he should do if ever he is found guilty or absolved in the plunder charges.
Vidal said to console the former president, he gave him advice on possible scenarios if ever he is released from jail or found guilty.
The priest said Estrada has promised not to run for any public office again if ever he is released. The former president also promised to spend more time with his family and provide more help to the poor.
Vidal said he is hoping that his friend, Estrada, would accept whatever the decision of the Sandiganbayan may be.
The Sandiganbayan heard the final arguments of the prosecution and Estrada's camp last June 15. The anti-graft court is expected to release the verdict this month.
Estrada served only half of his six-year term after he was ousted by a popular revolt in 2001. The former president was ousted due to allegations of pocketing millions in tobacco excise tax and jueteng kickbacks.
There are allegations coming from Estrada's camp that the administration of President Arroyo is pulling strings for a guilty verdict.
Suspicions of a guilty verdict came after full page ads were published in newspapers telling the people to accept the Sandiganbayan's decision on the case.
Even if there were no mention of a guilty verdict, Estrada's camp claimed the ads were published to condition the minds of the public for a guilty verdict.
Estrada is the first Philippine president tried by the anti-graft court.
Former president Ferdinand Marcos, who ruled for over 20 years with a strong hand and also accused of amassing the country's wealth, went into exile in Hawaii in the United States after the first People's Power revolution in 1986.
Estrada seeks comfort from Cardinal Vidal