President Gloria Arroyo is thinking of appointing freed former president Joseph Estrada to a government post, two senior officials said.
"I don't see why that is not possible. He said he would dedicate his freedom to the government's anti-poverty alleviation programme," Cerge Remondo, head of the Presidential Management Staff (PMS) said in a radio interview. "This could foster national unity and progress. It is high time the Filipino people move on," Remondo explained.
"His offer to help us in our anti-poverty programmes is definitely a very welcome statement," said Press Secretary Ignacio Bunye.
"His appointment to a government post for the poor would be a big boost for the government. We are now running at 50km/h for our economy. If the Filipino people are united, we'll probably hit 75km/h for our development," said Bunye. When asked for details, Bunye said, "As of now, I don't have other information on it [Estrada's appointment] ... If they both work for the poor's welfare, that's nice." ( Gulf )