“Perhaps, it is time to release President Estrada on bail.”

Rep. Imee R. Marcos (2nd district, Ilocos Norte) made this suggestion as Estrada’s detention reached four years on April 25.

Marcos’ proposal came in the wake of President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo’s assurance that the former president’s case would be accorded “justice and fair play” and that he would be treated with the “most humane treatment.”

In proposing bail for the deposed president, Marcos pointed out that Estrada had already proven that he is not a flight risk when he complied with the deadline set by the Sandiganbayan Special Division for his return to the country after his knee operations in Hong Kong.

“Erap has proven that he can face the charges against him in a court trial and he has no intention of absconding from the jurisdiction of the Sandiganbayan. For all intents and purposes, the risk of flight which is the purpose of his continued incarceration has been fully extinguished,” the lady solon said.

She added that two of Estrada’s co-accused, his son Senator Jinggoy Estrada and Atty. Edward Serapio, have both been granted bail.

She also mentioned that the apparent reason Estrada has not filed his own petition for bail is the hardline stand of the government against him in the past.

The lawmaker also clarified that her proposal is not intended to influence the anti-graft court in any way.

“This is a simple observation on my part. The Sandiganbayan will exercise its own sound discretion if and when the defense do file a petition for bail in Erap’s behalf,” she explained.

Marcos also noted that the Arroyo government should no longer consider Estrada a political threat unlike when he was first arrested on April 25, 2001.

“After all, the administration says it won the last election fair and square. So it should no longer entertain doubts about its legitimacy,” Marcos said.