Marcelo: No more Estrada concessions

Ombudsman Simeon Marcelo said yesterday the Sandiganbayan has granted jailed former President Joseph Estrada many concessions that tend to "erode the equal protection clause in the Constitution."

" Any motion filed by the former president that involves things that are not life-threatening should not be granted by the court. It not only erodes the equal protection clause in the Constitution, but (he) is even using it against us," said Marcelo his first-ever press conference since he assumed the post.

"It should not be that way. Everybody should be treated similarly," he added.

Marcelo cited the court’s decision to allow Estrada to leave the Veterans Memorial Medical Center to undergo eye treatment and recently, "spiritual healing" at the Mother Ignacia Healing Center in Caloocan City.

He said prosecutors in Estrada’s plunder trial have strongly opposed the motion to allow "house arrest" for Estrada and his son, former San Juan mayor Jinggoy Estrada, during the holidays.

"There should be no more concessions to the former president who is facing the capital offense of plunder," he added. — Jose Rodel Clapano