Resignation is the only option available to Arroyo - Estrada

Saying the current administration no longer enjoys the trust and confidence of the Filipino people, pardoned former President Joseph Estrada on Monday said President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo has no other choice but to voluntarily leave office. Estrada, who made the statement Monday during the 22nd anniversary of the 1986 Edsa People Power Revolution, said resignation is the only option left for President Arroyo since the two other legal choices – an impeachment trial and incapacity/death – seem far-fetched. “How can you (Arroyo) govern if the people do not trust you anymore?" Estrada said. The former president noted that an impeachment trial is virtually impossible in the current administration since Malacañang and its allies in the House of Representatives are always ready to block it. “There is no more other option for her but to follow the Constitution and resign," Estrada said, adding that it is clear from surveys that the public no longer has confidence and trust with the Arroyo administration. President Arroyo’s resignation would prevent violence and bloodshed, Estrada also said. Estrada’s administration was cut short in 2001 during the so-called EDSA People Power 2 amid accusations of corruption in the government. President Arroyo, who was then vice president, took over the presidency. Estrada had earlier said that if it is the people’s will, he will be willing to return to Malacañang as “caretaker" of the Philippine government. He also called on the military to join the people in searching for the truth, a statement which Malacanang through Justice Undersecretary Ricardo Blancaflor said could be used as grounds to revoke the pardon granted by Arroyo to Estrada and the possible filing of sedition charges against him. Estrada just shrugged off the threat, saying it has no basis. - GMANews.TV