No pardon yet for convicted president

MANILA, Philippines, Sept. 25 (UPI) -- Convicted former Philippines President Joseph Estrada met Tuesday with Ronaldo Puno, minister for of the interior and local, to discuss a possible pardon.

So far, the Manila government is unwilling to free Estrada on the terms that he wants, The Philippine Star reported. He told reporters that he also plans to appeal his conviction through the courts.

Estrada was convicted earlier this year after a six-year trial by the Philippines anti-corruption court, the Sandiganbayan, of embezzling millions of dollars. He was sentenced to 40 years in prison.

Puno traveled to Estrada’s estate in Tanay for the meeting. The court allowed Estrada to remain there until he is ordered to prison.

Estrada described the meeting as a preliminary discussion, the Philippine Inquirer said. He said that he and Puno plan to meet again next week.

Estrada was elected president in 1999 after a successful career as a movie actor. He was ousted by the military in 2001 and replaced by the vice president, Gloria Arroyo.