MANILA, Philippines -- Malacañang is not threatened by former president Joseph Estrada’s attendance at an interfaith prayer ally on Friday to press for the resignation of President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo over allegations of corruption.

Estrada himself confirmed he would show up at the rally, which organizers said will be the biggest gathering of anti-government protesters since a new witness in the national broadband corruption scandal surfaced earlier this month.

"It does not matter. For as long as he is not violating any laws," deputy presidential spokesman Anthony Golez said in a phone interview, when asked if the Palace was threatened by Estrada's presence at the rally.

Estrada, who was convicted of plunder in September but pardoned by President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo a month after, also said he would call on the incumbent to resign.

Arroyo, who was Estrada’s vice president, succeeded him after he was ousted by a popular uprising in 2001, ironically, also because of allegations of corruption.

But Golez refused to comment on Estrada’s call for Arroyo to step down.

"We wouldn't want to take part of a lowly word war with the former president. We have more important things to focus on that will help uplift the lives of poor Filipinos. Instead we encourage the former president to help by being part of the solution," he said.