‘Where have I failed the people?’

The First Family began packing up as negotiations for President Estrada’s graceful exit started yesterday, reliable sources said.

A glum Mr. Estrada reportedly told Manila Mayor Lito Atienza, "Where have I failed the Filipino people?"

There were reports, later denied by Malacañang, that the Palace had asked for two Philippine Airlines planes to stand by for the President and his family.

Reliable sources said a private plane is instead on standby to fly the First Family to the United States.

Press Undersecretary Ike Gutierrez said the President looked fine over dinner.

Late last night the President met with Executive Secretary Edgardo Angara and Budget Secretary Benjamin Diokno, two of his few remaining Cabinet secretaries. His lawyers were also with him.

Reporters and foreign correspondents staking out Malacañang saw yesterday vans of various sizes going in and out of the Palace.

At 5 p.m., household staff were allowed to go home, leaving President Estrada and First Lady Luisa Ejercito-Estrada with their loyal aides as well as Brig. Gen. Rodulfo Diaz, commander of the Presidential Security Group.

Mr. Estrada met with the Cabinet at Malacañang at around 9 a.m. yesterday to draft the Chief Executive’s first taped announcement which was broadcast at around 3 p.m.

Before they resigned, Defense Secretary Orlando Mercado and Interior Secretary Alfredo Lim conferred with Mr. Estrada.

Also present at the meeting were Armed Forces chief Gen. Angelo Reyes and Philippine National Police chief Director General Panfilo Lacson.

At around 4 p.m., Presidential Consultant on Political Affairs Lito Banayo disclosed that Mr. Estrada was issuing another statement, which was drafted upon consultation with Senate President Aquilino Pimentel Jr. and Speaker Arnulfo Fuentebella Jr.

Press Secretary Ricardo Puno Jr. said Pimentel and Fuentebella told the Chief Executive they would return to discuss the snap election which the President asked Congress to legislate. – Marichu Villanueva