Former President Joseph Estrada was Granted Executive Clemency (video)

Despite opposition from the prosecution panel that pursued the plunder case. President Joseph "Erap" Estrada was granted executive clemency.

Bunye said it is the administration's policy to release inmates who have reached the age of 70, and that Estrada has already served more than six years in detention while being tried for plunder.

Estrada's civil and political liberties are restored, according to Press Secretary Ignacio Buney, but one of the conditions set by the President for his pardon is that he should stick to his previous announcement that he would not seek any public position or office.

In a phone patch interview in different news TV station Senator Jinggoy Estrada, son of Pres. Estrada, was very glad about the pardon given by President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo. And he thanks the President.

What will happen now? Allies of the President like Former President Ramos, Chavit Singson and other anti-Estrada are outraged over the decision.

Order signed by President Arroyo:

"Whereas this administration has a policy of releasing inmates who have reached the age of 70;

Whereas Joseph Ejercito Estrada has been under detention for six and a half years;

Whereas Joseph Ejercito Estrada has publicly committed to no longer seek any elective position or office;

In view hereof and pursuant to the authority conferred upon me by the Constitution, I hereby grant Executive clemency to Joseph Ejercito Estrada, convicted of plunder and imposed a penalty of Reclusion Perpetua.

He is hereby restored his civil and political rights.

The forfeitures imposed by the Sandiganbayan remain in force and in full, including all writs and processes issued by the Sandiganbayan in pursuance hereof, except for bank accounts he owned before his tenure as President.

Upon acceptance of this pardon by Joseph Ejercito Estrada, this pardon shall take effect."

Watch the video after the jump...