Estrada, Sin reconciled before death of Cardinal

From the Daily Tribune:

Detained President Joseph Estrada and his erstwhile nemesis the late Manila Archbishop Jaime Cardinal Sin had reconciled with each other two weeks before the cardinal's death in June 2005.

This revelation was made in open court by Estrada's surprise witness, Father James Reuter, a Jesuit priest and director of the office of Mass Media for the Catholic Church of the Philippines before the Sandiganbayan Special Division yesterday.

Reuter, the 67th witness for the defense said during yesterday hearing of the plunder case that Sin had accepted Estrada's conciliatory gesture through a letter when the detained leader asked to visit the ailing archbishop after learning about Sin's failing health.

...

Reuter told the court it was Estrada, whom he referred to as Erap during his testimony, who personally requested him to initiate reconciliation moves with the ailing cardinal, stressing it was the desire of Estrada to personally visit with the ailing prelate.

Reuter, however, added this meeting failed to push through.

At that time, Sin was already seriously ill but still managed to express his concern for Estrada's health and security.

Through Reuter, the two managed to exchange letters. Cardinal Sin's last letter to Estrada expressed his whole-hearted acceptance of the reconciliation offer and blessed the detained leader.

“Cardinal Sin replied to Erap (Estrada) in a very beautiful letter,” Reuter testified. “He said he had forgotten any mistake Erap may have made “ and pointed out that, as Estrada would be accompanied by security escorts that might attract the attention of reporters. He said the media were bound to misinterpret the visit,” Reuter told the justices of the Special Division.

It will be recalled that Estrada and his camp had openly accused the late cardinal of conspiring with the elite and members of the so-called civil society to oust him from power in 2001.

Reuter made four visits to the President's detention place in Tanay, Rizal.

“I thought it was a very good gesture on the part of Erap to seek reconciliation with Cardinal Sin,” Reuter said.

Wow.