Estrada appeals for unity in New Year message

(Following is the New Year messsage of detained former President Joseph Estrada)

My beloved countrymen:

A Prosperous New Year to all!

Together with my family, I again extend my greetings and prayers as we celebrate the coming of the New Year.

As has been our custom, we welcome the coming of the New Year in the belief that things would turn out for the better.

It is almost two years now that I am in detention together with my son, Jinggoy and from here, I am acutely aware of the sufferings our people are going through.

The economy has plummeted; people are daily losing their jobs; the prices of rice, oil, electricity, water and other basic necessities continue to rise.

Graft and corruption remain rampant in government while criminality and violence continue to hound our communities.

Nevertheless, I am still hopeful, knowing that our people remain steadfast in their struggle for a brighter future, we must continue to have confidence in ourselves and remain united in our purpose. I know that the day will come when our people would be delivered from their sufferings.

It is your steadfast support and prayers for me that give me the strength and the determination to restore the mandate that was stolen from the Filipino people.

As we enter the New Year, I pray for the safety of our people from any possible harm and their deliverance from poverty, especially among the ranks of our country’s poor. I also pray that the coming year would give new color and meaning to our lives.

I also wish that the New Year brings with it renewed strength and vitality so we can change the destiny of our country towards a better future for all of us, especially our children.

Again, a peaceful and meaningful New Year to all! Mabuhay Kayo!