Erap son JV calls for ‘moratorium’ on personal attacks vs Arroyo

The son of former President Joseph Estrada on Tuesday called for a "moratorium" on personal attacks against ex-President and incumbent Pampanga Rep. Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo after an "unsuccessful" surgery on her spine last week. San Juan City Rep. Joseph Victor Ejercito said critics should ease up on personal criticisms against Mrs. Arroyo "for humanitarian reasons." "I wish her well also. Ayaw naman nating makadagdag pa sa stress sa kanyang kalagayan ngayon," Ejercito said at a press briefing. He added that Mrs. Arroyo should be given time to recover from her spine-related condition, but investigations on anomalies allegedly involving her should continue. "I would personally want a moratorium on personal attacks especially on Mrs. Arroyo and I wish her well... but it doesn’t mean that the investigation should stop. Mabigat kasi ito because it concerns the use of public money," he said. Mrs. Arroyo is set to undergo a third surgery after her second operation failed due to infection. She was diagnosed with a pinched nerve on the neck late last month. In 2001, then-Vice President Arroyo took over the presidency from Estrada following a military-backed civilian uprising. Six years later, Estrada was convicted of plunder but was granted executive clemency by Mrs. Arroyo, who is herself currently involved in five plunder cases pending before the Department of Justice and the Office of the Ombudsman.

Healing Mass Meanwhile, another healing Mass was held in Taguig City for Mrs. Arroyo’s speedy recovery. The Mass was held at the fifth floor of the St. Luke’s Medical Center at 11 a.m. Tuesday, GMA News’ John Consulta reported over GMA News TV’s “Balitanghali." Former Trade Minister Jose Concepcion Jr., former Manila Mayor Lito Atienza and former Quezon Rep. Matias Defensor Jr. were present during the event, the report said. Two similar healing Masses were also held for Mrs. Arroyo last Saturday and last Monday. — RSJ, GMA News