President pardons her predecessor

President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo pardoned her predecessor, a move that drew both praise as an olive branch toward political reconciliation and scorn as an opportunistic maneuver that endorses corruption.

Former action film star Joseph Estrada, 70, was arrested shortly after he was forced out by the Philippines’ second “people power” revolt in 2001. He was convicted last month of graft and sentenced to life in prison.

The pardon is seen as part of Arroyo’s efforts to bury the hatchet with her archenemy as she faces renewed calls to resign and another impeachment complaint -- her third -- on allegations of bribery.

Arroyo cited her government’s policy of releasing convicts who have reached age 70, Estrada’s 6 1/2 -year detention and his pledge not to seek any public office.