Erap happy to spend Christmas as a free man

Ousted President Joseph Estrada is very happy that he would be spending Christmas with his ailing mother, Doña Mary Ejercito, and with his immediate family.

“This is my first Christmas as a free man, and I will spend Christmas day out of jail after being detained for six years and six months,” he said. “Of course, I will be spending it with my mother.”

Estrada said he was removed from power and imprisoned through a conspiracy orchestrated by former President Fidel Ramos and the elite.

“I was unconstitutionally removed through the conspiracy of my predecessor with the rich,” he said.

Continuing his “Lakbay Pasasalamat” from Pateros to Taguig yesterday, Estrada said he cannot repay his debt of gratitude to the poor, who have continuously and unconditionally supported him through thick and thin.

“My wife, Loi, won when she ran for senator because of your support,” he said.

“My son, Jinggoy, also won when he ran for senator because of your support. Erap cannot repay you with his debt of gratitude in life or in death.”   – Jose Rodel Clapano