PHILIPPINES: Former President Joseph Estrada pardoned by Philippine President Arroyo

Record ID: 555044

  • Title: PHILIPPINES: Former President Joseph Estrada pardoned by Philippine President Arroyo
  • Date: 25th October 2007
  • Summary: (BN09) MANILA, PHILIPPINES (FILE) (REUTERS) EXTERIOR OF ANTI-GRAFT COURT
  • Embargoed: 9th November 2007 12:00
  • Keywords:
  • Location: Philippines
  • Country: Philippines
  • Topics: Crime / Law Enforcement,Domestic Politics
  • Reuters ID: LVA4ODNL9S02QADBQZUSL3YSWO4Z
  • Story Text: Philippine President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo pardoned former president Joseph Estrada on Thursday (October 25), setting aside his conviction and life sentence on charges of plunder.
    The 70-year-old is expected to be freed on Friday (October 26).
    Chief Presidential spokesman Igancio Bunye, in a televised statement, said Estrada had been in detention for six and a half years.
    He'd agreed not to seek any elective position or office and was to be granted executive clemency.
    Estrada has been under house arrest since he was ousted as president in 2001 and replaced by Arroyo. He was sentenced to life in prison in September.
    He appealed his case to the anti-graft court, but withdrew the appeal on Monday (October 22) and sought a pardon instead.
    Estrada, also known as "Erap" (meaning buddy in Filipino), acted in more than 150 movies portraying Robin Hood-type roles and was idolised by the masses, helping him clinch the presidency.
    Estrada was also a city mayor for 16 years, after which he served as a senator and then vice president.
    His presidency was marred by reports of drunken nights with his "midnight cabinet" and later on, charges of plunder and corruption
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