Singson chides Erap for denying they were “best friends

Ilocos Sur Governor Luis “Chavit" Singson on Wednesday chided former president Joseph Estrada for testifying in court that they were never “close" friends as previously claimed by the governor. Singson, a former Estrada “kumpadre-tuned-political nemesis," said the ousted leader’s “lie" would be discovered once the prosecution panel starts his cross-examination afternoon of Wednesday. Singson said the cross-examination would also point out inconsistencies in the testimony of Estrada, who has been slapped with plunder and perjury charges before the Sandiganbayan special division. Estrada, reports from GMA-7’s DZBB indicated, told the court he and Singson were never close friends. This was contrary to Singson’s testimony before the Senate impeachment trial that they were “best of friends." The governor said he had expected Estrada to deny their friendly relations. “Inaasahan ko na iyan," Singson was quoted as saying. He said that despite Estrada’s court statement, “I still consider him my friend." Singson also said he was not bothered by the claims of the Estrada camp that it would raise a shocker in the course of Estrada’s testimony. The Sandiganbayan has suspended hearings for a one ½ hour-lunch break.-GMANews.TV