The President’s order in full:
“Whereas, this Administration has a policy of releasing inmates who have reached the age of seventy (70),
“Whereas, Joseph Ejercito Estrada has been under detention for six and a half years,
“Whereas, Joseph Ejercito Estrada has publicly committed to no longer seek any elective position or office,
“In view hereof and pursuant to the authority conferred upon me by the Constitution, I hereby grant executive clemency to Joseph Ejercito Estrada, convicted by the Sandiganbayan of plunder and imposed a penalty of reclusion perpetua. He is hereby restored to his civil and political rights.
“The forfeitures imposed by the Sandiganbayan remain in force and in full, including all writs and processes issued by the Sandiganbayan in pursuance hereof, except for the bank account(s) he owned before his tenure as President.â€ÂÂÂ
Regardless of the personality of Erap, the President has the right to give him pardon since it is stated in the policy of the present administration that inmates, upon reaching the age of 70, is a candidate for presidential clemency. I'm just stating some facts. Kinain din ni Erap ang mga sinabi nya, sa pardon din pala siya pupunta.