President Arroyo meets with Estrada
President Arroyo meets with Estrada
MANILA (Reuters): Philippine President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo met her detained predecessor Joseph Estrada on Thursday just three days after security forces stopped his supporters storming the presidential palace.
Arroyo declared a state of rebellion -- two constitutional steps short of martial law -- on Tuesday after thousands of Estrada supporters tried to force their way into the Malacanang presidential palace.
Four people were killed in clashes between the protesters and security forces.
The protesters had gathered at a Manila religious shrine after Estrada's arrest last week on corruption charges, the same shrine where a "people power" revolt began which pushed the pugnacious former vice-president Arroyo into Malacanang.
Arroyo met Estrada for about 30 minutes after flying by helicopter from Malacanang to a maximum security detention center where he is being held, about 50 km south of Manila.
Presidential spokesman Rigoberto Tiglao said Arroyo wanted to check on Estrada's well-being and the amenities available to him.
He said Estrada raised the possibility of being moved to house arrest but stressed there were no formal negotiations.
"The president thought she might as well see for herself the condition of Mr Estrada. It was a very friendly, cordial meeting," Tiglao told reporters.
Tiglao said Estrada had asked for some changes to the small, spartan house with barred windows in which he is being held.
"I think the former president requested some curtains," he said.
Estrada, wearing the white wristband with presidential seal that became a trademark of his 31-month presidency, shook hands and posed for photographs with Arroyo after the meeting.
Earlier on Thursday, electoral officials said Senate elections scheduled for May 14 were likely to go ahead in what will be Arroyo's next big test since taking over in January.
"I don't want the elections postponed," said Commission on Elections chairman Alfredo Benipayo.
The government has ordered the arrest of about a dozen opposition politicians it accuses of inciting the protesters to attack Malacanang. Under a state of rebellion, the government can arrest people without a warrant.
Among those ordered arrested are senators Juan Ponce Enrile, Miriam Defensor Santiago and Gregorio Honasan -- all up for re- election on May 14. Also ordered arrested was Estrada's police chief Panfilo Lacson, who is also seeking a Senate seat.