MANILA, Philippines -- Malacañang congratulated former Mindoro
Occidental congressman Jose Villarosa for getting an "Easter gift" -- the decision of the Court of Appeals to overturn his conviction for murder.

"I can just congratulate them on their Easter gift," Executive
Secretary Eduardo Ermita said, referring to the former lawmaker, and
his wife, Deputy Speaker Amelita Villarosa of the House of Representatives.

"We are living by the rule of law. We have to respect the decision of the court," he said.

Ermita said the court's decision had nothing to do with the Villarosa couple's close ties with President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo.