Erap aging from depression

Former President Joseph Estrada has visibly aged and is reportedly depressed over his conviction of plunder and the failing health of his ailing mother Mary Ejercito, who has been confined at the San Juan Medical Center since August.

 “Former President Estrada has aged. He has a sad aura, he is not his usual jolly self,” said Chief Superintendent Romeo Hilomen, director of the Police Security Protection Office (PSPO) of the Philippine National Police (PNP). “Anyone who is in Estrada’s situation will feel the same way,” he said.

Hilomen, who has been providing security for Estrada even before the Sandiganbayan rendered its guilty verdict, said “it is evident that he is carrying a heavy burden. Aside from his conviction, his mother is also sick.”

Meanwhile, Presidential Political Adviser and Interior and Local Government Secretary Ronaldo Puno has apparently slowed down on the issue of pardon for Estrada.

Puno, who earlier announced his plans to meet with the lawyers of Estrada to tackle the issue of pardon, said there will be no meeting until after the ruling is final and executory. – Cecille Suerte Felipe

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