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Ex-Philippine President Basks In Freedom

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By PAUL ALEXANDER, The Associated Press

Published: October 27, 2007

MANILA, Philippines - Free for the first time in 6 1/2 years, ousted President Joseph Estrada thanked his successor for pardoning him and vowed Friday to stay out of 'dirty politics' while dedicating the rest of his life to helping the poor.

The former action star's first hours of freedom played out live on national television like a scene from one of his old films, which won him legions of fans for his portrayals of underdog heroes.

Estrada's joyous release from house arrest was followed by a speech to thousands of cheering supporters in Manila's San Juan district, where he once served as mayor, then a bedside visit to his ailing 102-year-old mother and a dinner of his favorite foods. His wife said she was making rice cake and paella.

The question is: Will the man who won the biggest election landslide in Philippine history be able to avoid the temptation of being drafted back into politics by a disjointed opposition desperate for someone popular to rally around?

For a day at least, Estrada was happy to bask in adulation and follow the lead of President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo, who has shrugged off allegations of political opportunism and touted the pardon as a move toward reconciliation that was in the public's best interests.

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