Justice Secretary Raul Gonzales on Friday criticized presidential chief of staff Mike Defensor for allegedly promoting deposed president Joseph Estrada’s temporary liberty through the pledges of religious leaders.

Gonzales said Malacañang should refrain from initiating Estrada’s conditional freedom since the matter is up to the Sandiganbayan to decide.

“I really don’t know what Mr. Defensor is talking about. But itong isyung ito e nasa court na …. [the pluder case confronting Estrada] hindi bailable ‘yan. So kung hindi bailable paano mo i-recognizance," Gonzales said in an interview with GMA News.

Defensor on Thursday said Cebu Archbishop Ricardo Cardinal Vidal, Bro. Mike Velarde of El Shaddai and Iglesia ni Cristo Executive Minister Eraño Manalo expressed willingness to serve as guarantors for Estrada.

He said President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo is aware of the position taken by the religious leaders since they had their own discussion with her about their decision.

The justice secretary said Defensor, Malacañang’s emissary on the reconciliation talks with the Estrada camp, should avoid delving on issues with regards to the former leader’s case.

Estrada is also facing perjury charges before the tribunal.

In a separate interview, Gonzalez said recognizance is like applying for bail but instead of bail, a person is placed under the recognizance of a reputable person who will answer for him.

Estrada’s lawyers had asked Sandiganbayan to release the ousted leader on recognizance to prepare for his testimony when he takes the stand to defend himself.-GMANEWS.TV