Erap: Failon remains on list of possible senatorial bets

MANILA, Philippines - Television news anchor Ted Failon (Mario Teodoro Failon Etong) remains on the list of possible senatorial candidates of the political opposition despite the controversy he is currently embroiled in, former President Joseph Estrada said Thursday. In a statement, Estrada considered Failon innocent until proven otherwise in the shooting incident Wednesday involving Failon's wife Trinidad. "Mr. Ted Failon is a man who, through the years, has shown the country not only his talent and dedication to excellence in the field of journalism but who has also shown his concern for the Filipino poor," Estrada said. "We commiserate with him through this difficult time. We hope that he stays strong throughout this ordeal for himself and for his family, and pray for the speedy recovery of his wife," he added. Earlier in the day, police picked up Failon's driver and three house helpers for them to give evidence at the inquest into the shooting incident that seriously injured Failon's wife, Trinidad Etong. First to be taken from the Failon residence in Tierra Pura Homes in Tandang Sora, Quezon City were Pacifico Apacible and Carlota Morbos. They were followed by Wilfreda Bullecer and driver Glenn Ponan. The police brought the four to Camp Karingal in Quezon City. An inquest refers to an inquiry into a matter usually held before a jury, especially those that have to do with cause of a death. In the Philippines, an inquest is a summary investigation by a public prosecutor in a criminal case that involves individuals arrested without the benefit of a warrant of arrest issued by the court. Chief Superintendent Roberto Rosales, head of the National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO), earlier said that at this point in time, everyone in the Failon household will be treated as a suspect in the shooting incident. Despite the developments, Estrada stands by Failon. "Our opinion of Mr. Failon as a man of integrity committed to airing concerns of the masses and uplifting the lives of the Filipino poor remains. The law states that a man is considered innocent until proven guilty; therefore the speculations surrounding the incident have not marred our opinion of Mr. Failon as someone who can truly represent the cause of the Filipino masses in the Senate," Estrada said. "He continues to be in the list of possible senatorial candidates of the opposition," he added. - GMANews.TV