Erap pardoned by GMA

After the resumption of the ZTE hearing in the Senate today where star witness Jose de Venecia III narrated how much money the First Gentleman, Mike Arroyo, will receive from the ZTE deal, President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo granted pardon to former President Joseph Ejercito Estrada. Estrada is the first president to be impeached by the House of Representatives under then Speaker Manuel Villar.

In the said Senate hearing, de Venecia quoted busineman Ricky Razon as saying that Abalos intimated to the First Gentleman that he has $70 million for the NBN project if it is given to ZTE. Still recovering from such accusation, President Arroyo gained foothold to counter the results of the Senate hearing and in a government-owned and -controlled TV station broadcast issued the order, read by Press Secretary Ignacio Bunye:

"Whereas this administration has a policy of releasing inmates who have reached the age of 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 of plunder and imposed a penalty of Reclusion Perpetua.

1. He is hereby restored his civil and political rights.
2. 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 bank accounts he owned before his tenure as President.

Upon acceptance of this pardon by Joseph Ejercito Estrada, this pardon shall take effect."