MANILA, Philippines—Malacañang on Wednesday declined to comment on the Supreme Court’s decision to dismiss the disqualification case against former president and Manila Mayor Joseph Estrada.
Hours after the ruling was announced, presidential spokesperson Edwin Lacierda said: “Let us note that this is a local government issue, so we do not have any comment on the matter.”
During the press briefing, Lacierda said the Palace will let the political analysts “discuss and dissect” the political implications of the decision.
“We have no further opinion on the decision of the—of Mayor Erap,” he said.
On Wednesday, Supreme Court spokesperson Theodore Te said the high court upheld an earlier decision by the Commission on Elections allowing Estrada to run as mayor. While Estrada was convicted of plunder by the Sandiganbayan, he was pardoned by former President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo.
Asked about the possibility of Estrada running again for president in 2016 and how it would impact the gains of the Aquino administration, Lacierda simply said, “The best way for the people to rally behind good governance is that we continue to provide good governance.”
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