Press Release
September 12, 2007

Villar saddened by guilty verdict on former
president, thanks court for clearing colleague

Senate President Manny Villar today said he is saddened by the guilty verdict handed down by the Sandiganbayan on the plunder case against former President Joseph Estrada and expressed hope that the development will toughen and not tear the moral fabric of our nation.

"We are saddened by the decision of the Sandiganbayan in the light of our earnest hope for Presidents Estrada's acquittal," Villar said in a statement.

The Nacionalista Party president also said the case is not yet closed and that Estrada can appeal his case with the Supreme Court.

"I pray that he gets the justice that he richly deserves. The genius of our justice system works when we bestow faith in it. I am certain, given another day in court, President Estrada will get justice," he said, adding that he hope to be given the chance to speak with the former President and personally sympathize with the family.

Villar also said he expected that the Sandiganbayan will clear Senate President Pro Tempore Jinggoy Estrada of charges leveled against him in the absence of concrete evidence pinning down his guilt.

"During plenary sessions, I observe that Senator Estrada is more worried about the fate of his father than himself. Judging from his demeanor and statements, it is the least of his concern whether or not he will be convicted of the charges," he said.

Villar added he is thankful that the court acted independently and with steadfast allegiance to the rule of law in clearing the younger Estrada of plunder.

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