By Xinhua
Manilla : Philippines President Gloria Macapacal-Arroyo Thursday granted pardon to convicted former president Joseph Estrada, who was sentenced to life for plunder, presidential press secretary Ignacio Bunye said here.
Estrada, 70, was found guilt of amassing assets worth $86 million during his presidency from 1998 to 2001.
Bunye said that with grant of pardon, Estrada may be able to walk out of his Tanay rest house as a free man by Friday noon.
He said it is the Arroyo administration’s policy to release inmates who have reached the age of 70 and that Estrada has already served more than six years in detention.
The deposed president, who was convicted this September after a six-year trial, submitted his request for Arroyo’s pardon Monday, saying that a “full, free, unconditional” pardon will serve the “highest national interests”.
Acting Justice Secretary Agnes Devanadera hinted that the government would consider granting Estrada pardon but only the president has the final say.
Presidential pardon would mean the restoration of the pardoned party’s “full civil and political rights,” Devanadera said.
Bunye Thursday also noted that Estrada promised not to seek any public office in his application for pardon.