Loi denies seeking US green card

First Lady Luisa Pimentel-Ejercito "vigorously" denied reactivating her application for a US immigrant visa as reported yesterday in The STAR.

The report fueled speculation that the long-suffering wife had finally had enough of her husband‘s extra-marital affairs.

"While she enjoys traveling to the United States, the First Lady has no desire to become a permanent resident in America. She intends to spend the rest of her life in her motherland, our beloved Philippines," her chief of staff, Justa Tantoco, said. "The First Lady wishes to reassure friends, relatives and countrymen that she will remain a Filipino citizen and a devoted wife all her life."

Saying the media have made "all sorts of intrigue against him," President Estrada also pleaded with the press yesterday to spare his family from criticisms stemming from his impeachment.

"Have mercy on my poor family. Please leave my family out of it. Have mercy on them. Please stop. The case is in court now, it’s in the Senate," said Mr. Estrada to the surprise of reporters.

"You don’t even have basis for what you are writing in the newspapers," he said. "This is too much."

Unimpeachable sources close to the Pimentel family told The STAR that Mrs. Ejercito reactivated last February her application for US permanent residence. She was petitioned by a sister who is an American citizen.

"Your ‘unimpeachable source’ has lied to The STAR. He or she owes you and your readers an apology for misleading your paper," Tantoco said.

Tantoco added that the First Lady "wishes to reiterate that while her marriage was not made in heaven, she considers herself fortunate to be blessed by God, to have three successful children, enjoying good health and a personal mission" to help the poor.

Mr. Estrada has admitted having children by several women other than his wife and has reportedly acquired mansions and other properties for his mistresses.

In the early years of their marriage during the 1960s, the fed-up wife left her then movie actor husband for the US, where she raised their three children. Mr. Estrada later wooed her back and she returned with their children.

Amid the political crisis, women’s groups have called on the First Lady to stop being a "martyr" and leave her philandering husband for good. But she said she would "stand by my man."

That prompted her husband to remark, "That is why there is only one First Lady. She is really a model wife and should be really be loved, placed on a pedestal. She gives me the inspiration."

Tantoco said the First Lady "wishes to thank them for their concern but has expressed hope they consider helping other more distressed Filipino women" like battered wives and wives abandoned by spouses.

"All interested parties are advised to verify the US embassy in Manila for information about this subject," Tantoco’s statement said.

Yesterday, Mrs. Ejercito, a doctor by profession, led a medical mission to Sultan Kudarat province in Mindanao to treat indigent patients. – With Marichu Villanueva, PNA