Petitioner gives up fight in Estrada disqualification case
MANILA, Philippines—The lawyer who petitioned the Supreme Court to disqualify Manila Mayor Joseph Estrada said on Thursday that she would no longer appeal the dismissal which would “clear the air” for the former President and Manila residents.
“I respect the collective wisdom of the justices of the Supreme Court and with 11 of them voting to dismiss my petitions, it will be very hard for me to convince them to change their votes,” Alicia Risos-Vidal said in a text message.
“Am just thankful that the bedrock of the Supreme Court voted in my favor,” she added.
Voting 11-3, the high court upheld the decision of the Commission on Elections (Comelec) declaring that Estrada is qualified to run for mayor.
Risos-Vidal said she deliberated with her lawyer, retired Sandiganbayan Associate Justice Rodolfo Palattao, on what steps to take after the high court’s decision.
“After deliberation with my lawyer, retired Justice Rodolfo Palattao, we made a decision not to file any (motion for reconsideration). This will clear the air for Mayor Estrada and for the Manilans as well,” she said.
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