BY ASHZEL HACHERO

IT was made "in jest" and in the context of the speech of former President Joseph Estrada during a book launching Monday.

This was how Deedee Sytangco, spokeswoman of former President Corazon Aquino, described the "apology" the latter issued to Estrada during the launching of the book of Rep. Jose de Venecia.

"Cory said that she said it in jest, as a response to the light speech of ex-president Erap. She too was surprised that it was made into a big issue," Sytangco said.

"Just a clarification, it was not a prepared speech," Sytangco added.

Sytangco also said Mrs. Aquino’s speech was not intended to rally against the Arroyo government.

Arroyo and Estrada delivered speeches at the launching of the book "Global Filipino" at the Podium in Mandaluyong City.

Estrada, in his speech, said he was granting "full and absolute pardon to Joe de Venecia and to all those who attended the EDSA Dos and I am exercising executive privilege in granting the pardon."

Aquino said she was surprised with what Estrada said.

"Nagulat naman ako sa iyo, Erap. Ang galing mo talagang mag-talumpati. I feel guilty tuloy," she said.

She also said: "I am one of those who plead guilty in 2001. Lahat naman tayo nagkakamali, patawarin mo (Estrada) na lamang ako."

Estrada has said the "apology" was the "best" Christmas gift ever.

Estrada, asked yesterday about the clarification of the Aquino camp, said: "It’s hard to think of it that way, especially with speakers, congressmen, and many others present (in the event.)

Asked who else had asked for his forgiveness, Estrada said one does not need to say "I am sorry" to him.

"Even for those who did not say sorry I accepted it. The mere fact that (Reyes) went to my rest house while I was under detention is enough for me. It’s like saying sorry," he said.

He was referring to Energy Secretary Angelo Reyes, who he said had frequently visited him while he was in detention in his rest house in Tanay, Rizal.

Reyes was Estrada’s Armed Forces chief when Edsa 2 occurred. Reyes left Estrada and joined the Arroyo camp.

Lingayen-Dagupan Archbishop Oscar Cruz said he is not discounting the possibility that the religious sector would also apologize.

"That is possible – if they (religious sector) are truly convinced that they committed a mistake against Estrada," Cruz said.

He said the clergy could have made their apologies in their own private way out of the public limelight.

"All priests and bishops ask forgiveness every time they celebrate the Mass," he said.

Asked on the possibility of the Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines issuing an apology to Estrada, Cruz said it would be remote.

"The CBCP was not involved there – not even in Edsa 1. Both were led by Cardinal Sin and he was just joined by some bishops," he said.

Sen. Richard Gordon said he was disappointed.

"I don’t agree with the fact that you have to say sorry to him (Estrada). I really feel for Cory because she is sick right now, but I think she overstated the point," he said.

Aquino is suffering from colon cancer.

Gordon also said that being a leader, Aquino should have stood by her decision to participate in the ouster of Estrada.

Speaker Prospero Nograles said he believes majority of the Filipinos who joined the Edsa 2 do not regret their decision.

Reps. Satur Ocampo of Bayan Muna party-list and Liza Maza of Gabriela said they do not regret having joined moves for Estrada’s ouster.

They said it was Arroyo who disappointed Filipinos for failing to lead on a platform of good governance.

"The future, not the present events, will show whether EDSA 2 was correct or not," Ocampo said.

Interior Secretary Ronaldo Puno said any form of reunification especially between two previously contending parties "is always good."