This was emphasized yesterday by lawyers and leaders of non-government organizations (NGOs), saying Estrada’s decision to sacrifice his son’s opportunity to become a senator paved the way for the unity of the opposition, enhanced its chance against the party in power, and revealed his family’s cohesiveness and respect for the decision of the elders.

"Erap’s act of statesmanship shows that the country is not bereft of leaders who are willing sacrifice for the good of the country and its people," said the lawyers and NGO leaders, among them lawyer Pete S. Principe, national director of the Philippine Trial Lawyers Association (PTLA), lifetime member of the Philippine Constitution Association (Philconsa), and founder of the Marcelo H. del Pilar College of Law at the Bulacan State University in Malolos City, Bulacan; lawyer Jose P. Icaonapo Jr., former governor of the Integrated Bar of the Philippines (IBP) in Metro Manila and three-time president of PTLA; former World Health Organization (WHO) consultant Dr. Jose R. Relacion; Dr. Cesar S. Cordova of the Knights of Columbus Council 6183; CPA-lawyer Godofredo V. Arquiza of GVA Accounting and Law Firm; prominent election lawyer Francisco B. Sibayan; Bert Mendoza of the Office of Quezon City Councilor Dante M. de Guzman, and Raul A. Casipit of Sibayan and Associates.

They said Estrada’s sacrifice demonstrated beyond doubt that the country has leaders who do not hesitate to adhere to principles and statesmanship when the good of their country and people is at stake.

"The people will surely remember this act of sacrifice for a long time. May this serve as a shining example to other politicians," Principe said.

Icaonapo said if the country has leaders who have the capacity and principle to place the interest of their country over and above the political ambition of powerful family members, the nation will be in a much better position now, economically, culturally, and politically. (E. T. Suarez)