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ALVAREZ RAPS K-4 SPOKESMAN’S “IRRESPONSIBLE” STATEMENT
January 20, 2004
“DISGRACEFUL, irresponsible and shaming.”
This was how former Sen. Heherson T. Alvarez today described the reported statement of K-4 Spokesman Michael Defensor, shown over ABS-CBN News Channel (ANC)-21 Wednesday afternoon, that Malacañang was “happy” former President Estrada has forgiven the EDSA Dos forces that ousted him a little over three years ago.
“Even more tragic is his statement that the President was not part of the impeachment process against Estrada and that she merely benefited from it,” Alvarez said.
“Many questions now arise as a result of this unfortunate Palace statement and they beg for prompt and truthful answers. Does the K-4 spokesman now want to dissociate Mrs. Arroyo from the constitutional process that dislodged Mr. Estrada? Is this why the President had put little value and significance to the valiant efforts and sacrifices of those who helped topple the corrupt regime?
“Is this why she unquestioningly yielded to her strategists and, sacrificing the core values of the Lakas-CMD and the people who faithfully adhered to them, allowed into the K-4 lineup certain personalities who not only resisted the impeachment but also vociferously questioned the legitimacy of her presidency?” Alvarez said.
“Let me reiterate: it is not for Mr. Estrada to forgive. It is for him, and the likes of him, to perform an act of contrition so that never again will EDSA be needed to cleanse our society of debauchery and oppression.” Alvarez said.
Alvarez said he hoped the President’s campaign spokesman was quoted incorrectly.
“But if the media had faithfully recorded his dumb statement, we urge the President to act swiftly to assuage the deep hurt it might have inflicted on those who risked everything they held dear when they helped bring down the Estrada regime at EDSA Dos.
“Mrs. Arroyo should act swiftly and decisively as well that no such irresponsible statements would ever be uttered again,” Alvarez said.
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