Philippine President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo may consider pardoning former president Joseph Estrada if the anti-graft court finds him guilty of plunder and perjury, reported the official Philippine News Agency on Tuesday.
The news agency quoted Interior and Local Government Secretary Ronaldo Puno Puno as saying "the President is seriously in pursuit of national reconciliation so a pardon can be considered. But, we still have to wait for the decision of the court."
After a six-year trial, the court is set to meet the constitutional deadline of passing on or before Sept. 15 its judgment in the Estrada plunder trial.
Estrada, who has been in detention since his ouster in early 2001, was accused by the government prosecutors of plundering 4 billion pesos (86 million U.S. dollars) of state asset. He has denied the charge.
Aside from the plunder charge, the former president is also facing perjury charge.
At least 8,000 soldiers and anti-riot policemen have been put on standby for deployment ahead of the verdict to prevent any possible contingency.
Source: Xinhua
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