Palace: Rule of law prevails in Erap’s case

Presidential spokesman Ignacio Bunye insisted on Monday that Malacañang won’t compromise the rule of law, citing the plunder case of former president Joseph Estrada. Malacañang’s hands-off policy on the issue stays, and it’s up to the Sandiganbayan to decide on the case, Bunye said. However, Bunye declined to comment on the “revelation" of Presidential chief of staff Michael Defensor that the Palace is studying the possibility of giving Estrada recognizance. Executive Secretary Eduardo Ermita denied that the Palace was trying to influence the Sandiganbayan, adding he has no information where Defensor’s pronouncement came from. “Kung sakali man ang interpretasyon ng iba ay mayroong ginagawang impluwensiya ang Malacañang, harinawa na mapawi iyan at isaloob na lang natin kung anong inaakala natin na makakabuti sa sitwasyon," (If some people believed Malacañang is influencing the graft court, we hope the rumor would just fade away and we just keep to ourselves what we believe would be the best thing that could come out of it), he said. Bunye assured the people that Malacañang would comply with whatever decision the Sandiganbayan arrives at with Estrada’s case. In regard to the statement of Defensor, Bunye said there is no need to gag the Presidential chief of staff for making a statement that appears to run counter to Malacañang’s stand. “Ang importante, pinahayag na ng ating administrasyon ang tungkol sa pagkilala sa hustisya at naniniwala tayo dun sa rule of law…," (What is important is the administration has spoken we should respect the justice system and recognize the rule of law), he said. GMANEWS.TV