GMA granting presidential pardon to Erap

Philippines
October 27, 2007 4:30pm CST
What can you say on the presidential pardon that GMA gave to Erap? Do you agree or disagree? If you were her, what would you have done?
3 responses
@ryanphil01 (4182)
• Philippines
27 Oct 07
As it is a privilege of the President to grant pardon to prisoners, I would have done the same thing to former Pres. Estrada. In the name of humanitarian consideration, since Erap is above 70 years old, and that he has served about 6 and a half years already, and that he should be beside his dying mother, I would give freedom to Erap. He has been convicted of plunder by the Sandiganbayan and that was just enugh to say that he indeed was guilty of the case. I think also it is the right time now for either side, pro and anti administration to be united for the common good. I just hope that the pardon of Erap made by GMA would be a way for the nation to be restored again.
• Philippines
28 Oct 07
He served for 6 1/2 years but he was just confined in Tanay, Rizal. If you consider it, it is like a vacation house. I agree that Erap should be granted pardon but don't you think this is a political move of PGMA?
• United States
7 Dec 07
Ei, ditto.
@psyche49f (2502)
• Philippines
28 Oct 07
In my opinion, Erap should have not been pardoned that easily...there has to be some kind of retribution on his part...but of course, I'm not GMA and I can only surmise that she could be under so much pressure that granting Erap pardon is a way to avert a crisis or crises...since we are not privy to some critical infos, it's difficult to judge her action. But it really came as a big surprise. First, he was convicted; barely a month after, he was pardoned. What gives? Why the sudden decision to grant pardon to a convicted ex-President. Of course, I guess there are countless reasons which I need to read from the papers, but none really came to date. Whether we ordinary citizens agree to it or not does not matter. Our President just have to make sure that such move wouldn't further hurt the already ailing country...I still pray that it would be for the best interest of the country...
• Philippines
28 Oct 07
I just don't believe that she gave presidential clemency to Erap out of the goodness of her heart. What I do believe is that this is politically motivated.
@Neriz69 (1093)
• Philippines
6 Dec 07
I believe it will be both beneficial for the both of them. It might even pave the way for national reconciliation which will be good for all of us Filipinos.