GMA calls Erap 'sir', sees no politics in visit

MANILA, Philippines - The much publicized visit of former presidents Joseph Estrada and Fidel Ramos to detained Gloria Macapagal Arroyo should not be interpreted as a political move, Arroyo's counsel said.

"The visit was very friendly, very courteous, very cordial at makikita 'yung pagrespeto ng bawat isa," lawyer Raul Lambino said in an interview over dZMM on Tuesday.

Arroyo even addressed Estrada, now Manila mayor, as "sir," Lambino said, adding that the two former heads of state only exchanged words of gratitude.

Arroyo served as vice president to Estrada during his term until he was ousted by "People Power 2" movement in 2001.

Lambino also clarified that Ramos did not intend to meet with Arroyo, who has been under hospital arrest in Veterans Memorial Medical Center for several counts of plunder. Ramos, he said, was only in the area to play golf.

Ramos, meanwhile, raised concern that Arroyo's appeal to be allowed to post bail has not yet been approved by the court.

The lawyer's response came amid speculations the three former presidents--two of whom retain a public position--are gearing to form a political coalition for the 2016 presidential elections.

Estrada dismissed the reports of an impending "Triple X" alliance as mere rumors.

Related: No alliance with GMA, FVR -Erap

Catholic Archbishop Angel Lagdameo commended Estrada's and Ramos' show of compassion and suggested that President Benigno Aquino III does the same.

Malacañang retorted that there is no need for Aquino to pay Arroyo a visit as it is "not proper."

Aquino, however, has no ill intention in refusing to meet with his political foe, Communications Secretary Herminio Coloma added.