ON THE GUILTY VERDICT OF PRESIDENT ESTRADA

"Whether or not we agree with the ruling, we should respect the decision of the court. Consistent with the rule of law, former President Estrada should be allowed to avail of all remedies including appealing the case before the SC.

In addition, notwithstanding the guilty verdict, President Estrada must be accorded the respect and dignity of a former head of state. We oppose any move to have the former president incarcerated in Muntinlupa.

Finally Malacanang should realize that, unless it faces squarely the issues of extrajudicial killings, JocJoc Bolante's Fertilizer Scam and other controversies in its last 3 years in office, this conviction casts a very long and dark shadow on the Arroyo administration."

"Huwag sana nati maliitin ang kakayahan ng ating korte. Korte ang nagbaba ng hatol, ngunit ebidensya ang pangunahing basehan ng mga mahiostrado. Maari din mag apela ang nasasakdal kung nais nila ng panibagong pagsusuri sa ebidensya. Hayaan nati tumakbo ang sistema ng katarungan."