(MSNBC) - Philippines - President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo pardoned her ousted predecessor Thursday, paving the way for Joseph Estrada's release a month after he was sentenced to life in prison for corruption.
Acting Executive Secretary Ignacio Bunye said the pardon would restore Estrada's civil and political rights and would take effect upon his acceptance.
There was no immediate reaction from the 70-year-old Estrada, who has been allowed by the anti-graft Sandiganbayan court to be detained in his sprawling villa near Manila while appealing his Sept. 12 conviction for plunder.