Government lawyers oppose Erap’s hosting of HS reunion at Meralco Theater

Special Prosecutor Dennis Villa Ignacio has proposed that ousted President Joseph Estrada, who is seeking temporary liberty to hold a benefit concert at the Meralco Theater in Pasig on Nov. 15, should instead host the golden jubilee celebration of Ateneo High School Class of 1955 at his place of detention in Tanay, Rizal.

"They could have their reunion in Tanay," he told reporters yesterday. "(Estrada’s) lawyers are very strict about government spending. They have to be consistent."

Villa Ignacio was referring to the opposition of former senator Rene Saguisag, Estrada’s lead counsel, to the government proposal that his client be returned to the Veterans Memorial Medical Center (VMMC) in Quezon City.

Saguisag said the Philippine National Police still owes the VMMC a whopping P1.7 million for the water and electricity bills incurred by Estrada and his son, Sen. Jinggoy Estrada, and their police guards during their detention at the military hospital from May 2001 to Oct. 16, 2003.

The bill remains unpaid despite collection letters sent to the PNP on July 2, 2005, July 28, 2003 and Nov. 14, 2003, according to the VMMC.

Last Nov. 4, the Eagle High School 55 Foundation invited Estrada to attend its 50th celebration with a benefit musical called "On Wings of Song... One Big Flight," which will feature musical talents from the Ateneo High School Class of 1955.

"We will be most honored if you can grace this once-in-a-lifetime event with your presence," read a letter to Estrada from Antonio Lopa, Ateneo High School Class 55 president.

"After all, not too many are blessed with the rare privilege of celebrating their golden jubilee. We sincerely hope you can come."

Proceeds from the concert will be donated to the Ateneo Eagle Fund for the benefit of Ateneo High School teachers. — Mike Frialde