Palace says Estrada arrest ‘a step forward’ in finding truth

MANILA, Philippines – Malacañang on Monday welcomed the court order on Senator Jose “Jinggoy” Estrada’s arrest, saying it brings Filipinos closer to the truth.

“The issuance of this warrant is a step forward in finding out the truth, which is fundamental in strengthening the trust of our people in our institutions and processes,” Presidential Spokesperson Edwin Lacierda said in a televised press briefing.

Estrada on Monday morning surrendered to his father, former president and Manila Mayor Joseph Estrada, after the fifth division of the Sandiganbayan ordered his arrest.

“As the Sandiganbayan works to fulfill its mandate, we ask the Filipino people to remain vigilant throughout this process, bearing in mind that the outcome should clearly reflect the profound reality—that just as every Filipino is accorded constitutional rights, these rights are to be protected in a manner that is just and in the service of the truth,” Lacierda added.

Lacierda dismissed reports that the arrest of opposition senators is President Benigno Aquino III’s way to discredit his opponents.

“We assure Mayor (Joseph) Estrada that the perception that he has is entirely inaccurate. There is no systematic plan (to prosecute the opposition),” he said, referring to the older Estrada’s statement criticizing the Aquino administration for the filing of plunder charges against his son.

“What we have however is a plan to bring to court those who have been found to have misused their PDAF (Priority Development Assistance Fund),” Lacierda said.

He explained that the court cases will affect “anyone who have misused the funds, whether you are friend or foe.”

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