SC to Tackle Joseph Estrada Disqualification Case Today

The Supreme Court is scheduled to tackle today the petitions lodged before it to disqualify Mayor Joseph Estrada over the question surrounding the former President’s legitimacy as Manila Mayor.

Spokesman Theodore Te said the high court will discuss the issue en banc, but makes clear that the discussion does not automatically mean a decision will be reached within the day, GMA News Online report said.

In 2013, Estrada won the mayoral race over Alfredo Lim prompting Alicia Vidal, Lim’s counsel to lodged a disqualification case against the former President.

In his contest, Vidal argued that Estrada should not have been allowed to run for mayor because he had been convicted of plunder during the Arroyo administration.

On Tuesday, a group held a demonstration in front of the Supreme Court urging it to come out with its decision, report said.

On Estrada’s part, they also submitted a motion to dismiss the petition, saying Estrada was qualified to run for an elective post since he was pardoned by then President and now Pampanga Rep. Gloria Arroyo.

For its part, Malacañang said it will respect the high court’s decision, report said.

Source: GMA News Online