Comelec junks disqualification rap vs Estrada

Former President Joseph Estrada.. INQUIRER FILE PHOTO

MANILA, Philippines—The Commission on Elections (Comelec) dismissed Tuesday the disqualification case filed against former president Joseph Estrada.

The second division, headed by commissioners Elias Yusoph and Grace Padcaca, ruled that Estrada’s right to run was restored when former president and now Pampanga Representative Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo granted him executive clemency back in 2007.

“Petitioner failed to present cogent proof sufficient to reverse the standing pronouncement of this commission, declaring categorically that respondent’s right to seek public office has been effectively restored by the pardon vested upon him by former President Gloria Arroyo,” the Comelec resolution said.

Estrada was previously found guilty beyond reasonable doubt for plunder by the Sandiganbayan, which included perpetual disqualification from public office.

The disqualification case was filed by Alicia Vidal, whom Estrada claims was the lawyer of Alfredo Lim, his rival candidate for the mayoralty race in Manila.

The Comelec decision also cited two previous disqualification cases against Estrada when he tried to run for president in the 2010 elections. The Comelec en banc had declared Estrada qualified to run at the time.