Arroyo promises to pursue cases against Estrada

Arroyo promises to pursue cases against Estrada

MANILA (AP): President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo on Friday assured leaders of groups which helped oust predecessor Joseph Estrada that her administration would firmly pursue criminal cases against him.

Arroyo came under fire from leftist radicals and other anti- Estrada groups for not opposing the detained leader's demand to be released to house arrest. Many perceived her refusal to oppose house arrest as an attempt to win the hearts of Estrada's many poor followers.

Estrada and son Jinggoy were arrested April 25 on the non- bailable, capital offense of economic plunder.

Over lunch at the presidential palace on Friday, Arroyo told anti-Estrada protest leaders she was not softening up on him and that government prosecutors would relentlessly pursue cases against the former action film star before the Sandiganbayan anti-graft court.

Walking a political tightrope, Arroyo repeated she personally would not object to Estrada's request to be detained in his luxurious Manila home for comfort and security, but she contradictorily vowed he would get nothing special.

"She gave an assurance that there is no adjustment, no concessions or special treatment being given to Estrada," said Satur Ocampo, a left-wing leader who attended the dialogue with Arroyo.

Arroyo also said her administration will pursue cases against leaders of an alleged plot to topple her from power last May 1, according to those who attended the meeting.

Down and slightly ill in a heavily secured military hospital, Estrada remains a dilemma to Arroyo.

Granting him certain amenities in detention could quiet his mostly impoverished followers, whose support Arroyo has been courting. At the same time, it could alienate many left-wing and church groups which fought to oust Estrada.

Arroyo, a U.S.-educated economist and daughter of a former president, was thrust to the presidency when Estrada fell from power Jan. 20 amid huge street protests.

With only a shaky coalition of anti-Estrada groups as her base of support, Arroyo faces formidable challenges, including reviving the country's limping economy, taming two raging insurgencies and forging unity in a country with many politically divergent groups.

She's also widely expected to run in 2004 presidential elections. Her chances would greatly depend on how she deals with the country's problems and builds a support base.

Ocampo said he understands Arroyo's dilemma but added she should not give any concession that could absolve Estrada of criminal liability or ease punishment.

Prosecutors accuse Estrada of illegally amassing $82 million during 31 months in office. He denies any wrongdoing.

Teodoro Casino, another left-wing leader who met Arroyo, said they also suggested her administration craft a comprehensive anti-poverty program instead of the current program of providing livelihood to shantytown residents which is perceived more as an effort to mollify Estrada supporters.

More than a third of the country's 76 million people are poor.