Erap asks government to continue Muslim youth program

Pardoned former President Joseph Estrada yesterday asked the Arroyo government to continue funding the Erap Muslim Youth Foundation.

The foundation was one of Estrada’s pet projects that was dragged into the plunder case after former Ilocos Sur governor Luis “Chavit” Singson testified that P200-million jueteng money was deposited to it.

The deposit was used as one of the bases for the Sandiganbayan Special division’s decision to convict Estrada.

“The government must use the proceeds in its forfeiture of the properties that do not belong to me, like the Jose Velarde account, to the Erap Muslim Youth Foundation,” Estrada said.

He said instead of abandoning the good objective of the Erap Muslim Youth Foundation, the government must continue to help the Filipino-Muslims in the country fulfill their dreams of getting education.

“The Muslims are the true heroes in our country. There were the likes of Rajah Sulayman and Lapu-Lapu who defended the Filipinos from the Spaniards. But despite this, the Muslims are the most neglected sector of our society,” Estrada said.

Estrada said lawyer Adel Tamano, spokesman for the United Opposition (UNO), was the only Filipino-Muslim who was able to study in Harvard University in the United States.

“Our Muslim brothers and sisters deserve a chance. The government must prioritize helping them,” Estrada, who has accepted the invitation of El Shaddai leader Bro. Mike Velarde to attend the group’s prayer rally today in Parañaque City, said.

Boracay Mansion in total wreck

Meanwhile, the writ of execution on the forfeiture of the Boracay Mansion in New Manila, Quezon City has already been served.

“We have already levied it at the Register of Deeds. The title is with the Quezon City government,” Urietta told The STAR in a telephone interview.

Urietta met with Quezon City treasurer Victor Endriga and had a verbal agreement about the turnover of the Boracay Mansion.  

He said that although the title is already with the Quezon City government, they have agreed in principle to turn over the property.

Urietta said that what is only needed is to pay the back taxes of about P1 million.

He, however, declined to state the details of the turnover, but that this would still be discussed.

He said the next thing he would do now is to make a report to the Sandiganbayan justices about his meeting with the Quezon City government, and as to what other actions the anti-graft court would take.

Urietta and Endriga visited the Boracay Mansion yesterday.

He described the property as already ruined, dirty, with uncut grasses and no security guard.

“Sira sira na ang bahay at walang guardia,” he said.

He also asked Endriga if their (Quezon City government) personnel could clean the place and have a guard on duty to secure the place to avoid squatters invading the property.

Urietta said Endriga had agreed to help them out. He clarified that the Sandiganbayan justices still have to discuss what the next move will be after he has made his report.

“Pag-uusapan pa ng mga justices ito kung ano ang gagawin,” said Urieta.  – Sandy Araneta