Estrada pays successor rare compliment

Arroyo says she has lost 7 kilograms since taking office

MANILA, Philippines -- They may be political opponents, but ex-Philippine President Joseph Estrada showed he could still see successor Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo in a positive light.

"GMA (Gloria Macapagal Arroyo) looks very pretty now, even her hairdo. She looks better now," the former movie actor said.

Estrada's comment on Arroyo's looks was made days after the president admitted the daily grind of running the country had caused her to shed 7 kilograms (15 pounds).

"I can wear jeans and T-shirts tucked in," she said.

Estrada's girth has also been affected by his hasty departure from the presidential palace. He said he lost 9 kilograms since he was ousted on January 20, weighing in at 85.

QUOTE "I can wear jeans and t-shirts tucked in." - Philippine President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo

But Estrada didn't feel as magnanimous towards Arroyo's administration.

He lashed out at the incumbent government for what he claimed was "trial by publicity" against him.

"The problem with them is that, they have yet to launch an investigation, yet they want you to be in jail. They haven't even started a preliminary investigation.

"How can you expect to get a fair trial from this administration that way? I am guilty already by publicity," Estrada said.

The Supreme Court is keeping the government ombudsman from acting on corruption and economic plunder complaints against Estrada, until it can rule on an appeal against the legitimacy of the Arroyo government.

The government has filed two complaints of economic plunder against Estrada; the crime is punishable by death.

Reuters contributed to this report.

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Philippine Information Agency

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