Saturday, December 27, 2003

Edmer F. Panesa of Manila Bulletin reported on December 24th that Sandiganbayan approves Estradas's travel to the US:

The Sandiganbayan Special Division allowed on 23rd of December 2003 former President Joseph Estrada to travel to the United States for three months to undergo knee replacement surgery.

In a 13-page resolution, the court granted Estrada's Nov. 4 urgent motion to travel filed through his court-appointed lawyers "for humanitarian reasons and in the service of justice and equity," subject to at least nine conditions. Among the conditions imposed on the deposed leader, the court gave emphasis to the second and third conditions, namely:

• he shall submit in three days a personal undertaking that he will return to the country within the authorized period of his travel
• he will recognize the authority of the court over his person and over the case against him and, he shall post a P1 Million travel bond.

If the Arroyo government is really sincere in supporting Pres. Estrada's knee surgery for humanitarian reasons, why he will be forced to recognize the authority of the supreme court? Even Juan dela Cruz understood that once Estrada recognizes SC authority, he surrenders his position as the legitimate President of the Philippines and admits guilt on plunder charges against him!

Estrada's health is deteriorating and we all know that he's a big factor on the forthcoming May 2004 Election. Sending him for medical treatment abroad seems a political strategy to weaken the presidential bid of his kumpare, FPJ. And, the masang Pilipino are wondering what motivates the Arroyo government, why just now? President Estrada fears of forced asylum in the US should take into consideration, and he must be given assurance that he can come back as soon as he's done with his medical treatment abroad.

Now, we couldn't help but speculate that the current administration is aiming to send him away to keep from endorsing his presidential bet and strengthening his bet's candidacy. Please give me at least one good reason to trust PGMA's administration:

• Impatient Barbers threatens to bolt Lakas for Roco camp
• Amnesty not for me, says Estrada
• GMA-Noli team a done deal?
• Angara suspension from LDP is fiction
• GMA-Noli team a trial balloon
• President's VP, senators known after Christmas:report
• 15 of 16 LDP regional leaders back Poe
• Preacher's party needs Comelec OK - Abalos
• Senator Legarda: Let Poe break the news
• Poe accepts draft of opposition bloc
• Loren: Noli won't run for VP
• FPJs media team formed
• Roco: FPJ might suffer same fate as Estrada
• It is final: FPJ agrees to run for president
• Presidentiables urged to discuss Cha-cha
• Malacañang defends Macapagal support of Estrada surgery
• Catholic Bishops back court ruling on Estrada US trip
• Court allows Estrada to go to US; prosecution to appeal
• LDP may end up with no candidate because of row
• Karma pulled Ping out of contention
• Palace offers to help Erap obtain US visa
• Erap: FPJ won't be my clone
• Remulla: FPJ seeking reunification talks with Ping
• Presidential bets dared to bare economic programs
• Communists warn Macapagal against cheating in polls
• FOR ALLOWING ESTRADA TRIP Anti-graft court under fire
• GMA awaits final ruling on Estrada
• Comelec to summon LDP factions on Dec.
• Mike A seducing FPJ leaders?
• Abalos to Señeres on poll-computer problems: Go ahead, hack
• Pimentel bares new cheating mode in polls
• DOJ: Estrada can't seek political asylum in U.S.
• LP set to endorse presidential bet on Jan. 14