Palace not keen on JDV's amnesty for Estrada

Malacañang said Monday that it is not favorable to a proposal from the House of Representatives giving amnesty to ousted President Joseph Estrada.

Press Secretary Ignacio R. Bunye said in a statement, "We have always maintained the position of observing the rule of law and respecting the independence of the courts."

"Let us just wait for the decision of the Sandiganbayan," Bunye said.

House Speaker Jose De Venecia earlier proposed a bill of "all-encompassing amnesty for all enemies of the state."

The bill will reportedly include Estrada, who is charged with plunder and graft before the anti-graft court.

The Sandiganbayan is scheduled to promulgate its decision on Estrada’s case by September at the latest.