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By Francis Earl A. Cueto, Reporter
THE Estrada residence in San Juan City was awake
and busy as early as 6 a.m. preparing for Noche Buena and for
today’s Christmas celebration.
This year marks the first time in six years that
former President Joseph Estrada will be spending Christmas as a free
man.
Former Sen. Loi Estrada, in a telephone
interview with The Manila Times said they were preparing native
dishes as well as Estrada’s favorite—lechon or roasted pig—for
the noche buena.
She said they intend to make this year’s
Christmas celebration a special one since this is also Estrada’s
first Christmas back at home.
Mrs. Estrada said that while they are expecting
a lot of guests to visit the former president, they would want to
keep the occasion as solemn as possible and strictly for the family.
However, she said they are still not sure if they would be attending
the traditional midnight Mass because her husband might have many
visitors to entertain, including his grandchildren.
In a television interview, the former president
said the best gift he can ever get is his freedom. “Nothing can
ever replace freedom,” he said smiling.
Mr. Estrada is a known opposition political
figure and continues to be one staunchest critics of President
Gloria Arroyo, who pardoned the former president in late October
this year.
Estrada was convicted of plunder on September 12
by the Sandiganbayan. During his trial, he remained in detention,
mostly at his rest house in Tanay, Rizal. He was also pardoned
because he is 70 years old.
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