The militant Kilusang Magbubukid ng Pilipinas (KMP) lambasted Malacanang for its special treatment of deposed president Joseph “Erap” Estrada. According to Danilo “Ka Daning” Ramos, secretary general of the group, “if Erap really needs therapy and needs to be near a hospital. Why not place him in Veteran’s Memorial Medical Center (VMMC) again, at least the doctors there have the experience of handling him and at the minimum his recovery can be monitored properly. Besides all of Erap’s requests are geared for him to get to his house and to be no longer be detained. This will make his plunder case hearing a farce,”

“If Malacanang grants this request then Gloria is proving Erap right, that indeed she is afraid of the former president. But Gloria should not think about Erap that much because if she accedes to his request then the wrath of the people could reach its boiling point. Besides does she think that Erap would stop his requests after she grants this one, eventually he would ask her to set him free,”

As for his part Ka Willy Marbella, spokesperson of KMP “this would set a really bad precedent on the justice system. As can be seen former congressman Romeo Jalosjos is already asking to be granted pardon due to his health or for humanitarian reasons. But is justice served in doing this? We can hardly expect this treatment to be accorded to ordinary prisoners or political prisoners for that matter,”

Jalosjos was convicted of statutory rape in 1996, and is serving two life terms. His confinement cell though is complete with amenities even having an air conditioner and a tennis court near the area.

“This really proves that there are two justice systems in our country one for the rich and powerful and another one for the oppressed and exploited. A double standard that Malacanang is all too willing to uphold,” ended Marbella. # # #

KMP - 4 January 2005