At an emergency press conference at Club Filipino in San Juan, seven senatorial candidates of Estrada’s Puwersa ng Masang Pilipino (PMP) were one in denying that they were behind the hundreds of protesters who trooped to the palace and clashed with policemen.
"We are not the ones who ordered them to go there," said former Executive Secretary Edgardo Angara who spoke for his fellow candidates.
Angara even called on Estrada’s supporters to "please withdraw and go home," saying they already achieved what they wanted. "The end may no longer be served if violence will afflict the situation," he said.
He added that the situation at Malacañang yesterday was very far from what he saw at the EDSA Shrine six days ago when Estrada supporters began to gather to protest his arrest.
"What we are seeing now is a dishonor to all of us Filipinos," he said.
Among those who attended the press conference were re-electionist senators Juan Ponce Enrile, Gregorio Honasan and Miriam Defensor Santiago who all claimed they never encouraged anyone to attack Malacañang.
As this developed, the Department of Justice announced a plan to turn Santiago into a state witness against those who allegedly plotted to take over the government by force.
Justice Secretary Hernando Perez said Santiago would make an ideal witness if she agrees to testify against those who encouraged Estrada supporters to attack the presidential residence. – Jose Rodel Clapano, Marichu Villanueva