PRESS STATEMENT

On behalf of our family, I am extending our sincerest thanks to Mrs. Gloria Macapagal Arroyo for her swift and positive action on my father's request for pardon.

We believe this executive action will go a long way in healing our nation's political wounds and setting a new era of productive engagement between Government and all other sectors that will ultimately prove beneficial to the Filipino majority.

My Dad has shown the way to national unity and reconciliation in withdrawing his motion for reconsideration before the Sandiganbayan, and in now accepting the executive clemency granted to him by his successor.

This is a big step for my father and Mrs. Arroyo to end divisive politics in our midst, we are calling on all sectors to likewise respond positively to this milestone in our history so that we all can finally attain political harmony and focus on the urgent task of bringing economic independence to the millions of our fellow Filipinos who remain poor and jobless.

Sana ay magsama-sama at magkaisa na tayo upang matupad ang matagal nang nais ng aking ama�ang mabigyan, hindi lamang ng pag-asa, kundi ng magandang buhay at kinabukasan ang bawat pamilya ng masang Pilipino.