It’s final: Erap not invited to Council of State meeting

Presidential Political Adviser Gabriel Claudio confirmed yesterday that ousted President Joseph Estrada will not be invited to the Council of State meeting set for Jan. 24.

Claudio said Estrada’s condition that he should preside over the meeting was ultimately unacceptable as well as "unreasonable and ludicrous."

Malacañang also confirmed it is engaged in back-channel talks with opposition leaders, especially those of different political parties who will attend the meeting with President Arroyo.

"Within the week, we will be issuing the necessary invitations," Claudio said. "On the part of (Senate President Franklin) Drilon and former President (Corazon) Aquino, definitely we are sending the invitations."

Claudio said the Council of State meeting would be more fruitful if the leaders of all the different political parties would be present.

Malacañang wanted the opposition to be "sufficiently" represented at the meeting, he added.

Claudio said proxies would not be allowed should Aquino and Drilon as well as congressional leaders from the opposition refuse to attend.

The order creating the Council of State — government’s highest advisory body — mandates the presence of former presidents, congressional leaders, the Cabinet, local government leaders and various sectors to be designated by the President, he added.

Like in National Security Council meetings, Estrada’s presence in the Council of State could also be considered no longer "necessary and appropriate" due to legal concerns, he added.

Estrada is currently under the jurisdiction of the Sandiganbayan on trial for plunder.

The Council of State will be convened to forge unity and greater cooperation among leaders of the country. The agenda in general will include Charter change, electoral reforms and economic measures. — Aurea Calica