Press Release
August 13, 2007

House amnesty bill lays foundation for Erap's conviction - Escudero

The proposed "all-encompassing" amnesty bill for all enemies of the state, which would soon be filed in the House of Representatives, is seen as a move to lay the ground works for a conviction of former President Joseph Estrada.

This was senator Francis "Chiz" Escudero's reaction after House Speaker Jose De Venecia said that such bill is already in the offing with the Palace throwing its support to it.

Escudero said the idea is being floated to soften the impact of a conviction versus the former president. "Why do they suddenly thought about this after six long years? The move smacks of motive that can only be construed as that of something that has to do with the handing down of a decision on Erap's case."

The proposed house bill purportedly encompasses amnesty for all insurgents and all those who have committed political crimes against the state. Malacanang through Executive Secretary Eduardo Ermita earlier said in an interview that the palace is contemplating on putting together a general amnesty for all enemies of the state.

Earlier on, Erap had said that he is certain of pressure from Malacanang to convict him. On September the Sandiganbayan is set to promulgate its decision on his case.

"Nothing can be as timely as this move to placate and soften the impact of a guilty verdict. It is just a diversionary tactic to condition the minds of the people when the verdict goes guilty" Escudero added.

Escudero likened this strategy with the ad that came out on major dailies last July that urged the public to respect whatever decision the Sandiganbayan makes on the plunder case of Erap. "With that ad they have tested the waters in the event of a guilty verdict. Now comes this move under the cloak of reconciliation; they are actually paving the way for a conviction."

Escudero believes that after the issue dies down, the people behind the bill will not pursue it anymore. "This is just another flash in the pan move to serve the present motives of the present administration".

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