Evidence vs Jinggoy downplayed

Supporters of jailed former President Joseph Estrada downplayed yesterday the evidence the prosecution claimed implicated his son, former San Juan Mayor Jinggoy Estrada, in the plunder case filed against the ousted chief executive.

In a press conference in Quezon City, Diego Cagahastian, convenor of the newly created "Justice of Jinggoy, Justice for Everybody," said the prosecution has failed to link the former president and his son to the controversial Jose Velarde account.

The Jose Velarde account in Equitable PCI Bank was allegedly used by the former president to launder the illegal wealth he supposedly amassed in his 31-month presidency.

The prosecution’s failure to present stronger evidence should entitle Jinggoy to bail and Cagahastian pledged to continue their campaign to urge the court to allow the former mayor to post bail. – Jose Rodel Clapano