PROLONGED DELAY IN RESOLVING PLUNDER CHARGES
UNFAIR TO ESTRADA -- PIMENTEL

On the occasion of former President Joseph Estradas 69th birthday, Senate Minority Leader Aquilino Q. Pimentel, Jr. (PDP-Laban) today expressed the wish that the Sandiganbayan will expedite the trial and resolution of the plunder charges against him and render the justice that is due him at the earliest possible time.

I wish Erap will have justice at the soonest possible time. He has been in jail for about five years now. He should not be treated like that, as if there is no end to his incarceration, Pimentel said.

If this is happening to a former President, Pimentel said one can imagine how the criminal cases against ordinary, small people are handled by the authorities.

Pimentel said he fully agrees with Estrada that the infamous Executive Order 464, which emasculates the congressional power of investigation over officials of the executive branch, should be lifted or repealed.

But he said the sooner justice is rendered for ex-President Estrada, the better for the country.