Opposition to keep on guarding public interest -- Loren
Amid political daze due to GMA's pardoning of Erap

Sen. Loren Legarda on Tuesday said she is "absolutely committed" to staying opposition amid the political quandary brought about by President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo's sudden decision to pardon former President Joseph Estrada.

"We definitely know where we stand. We will not forswear our role in the opposition," Legarda stressed.

"We are wholly committed to performing our duty to guard public interest at all times, fight for improved governance and suppress all forms of official corruption and malfeasance," Legarda said. "We will keep on doing what needs to be done with respect to our obligation to fight any and all wrongdoing in government," she said.

"As far as we're concerned, our role in the opposition is crystal-clear. There is neither uncertainty nor confusion as to our purpose here," Legarda added.

The senator said Malacañang's decision to pardon Mr. Estrada "is something between the President and her predecessor."

Legarda said she considered the grant of executive clemency to Mr. Estrada "a closed book," since under the Constitution, the presidential power to pardon is "absolute and unconditional."