Philippines President to Resign

M A N I L A, Philippines, Jan. 20 -- Philippines President Joseph Estrada left the Malacanang Palace today after a tense, five-day stand off with a united opposition. Vice President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo was sworn in as the new president.

Estrada, along with his wife and children, exited through a side gate leading to a river, and boarded the presidential barge. They headed for the Estrada residence in a suburb outside of Manilla.

Macapagal-Arroyo was sworn in as the new president following aSupreme Court ruling declaring the post vacant.

A Teary Farewell

While Estrada was departing, the Presidential guard was there, and for some of Estrada's staff, the farewell was swift, yet sentimental. The president was also seen as a little teary-eyed himself.

"It is for this reason that I now leave Malacanang Palace,the seat of the presidency of this country, for the sake ofpeace and in order to begin the healing process of our nation,"Estrada said in a statement.

The one-page statement titled "Statement from PresidentJoseph Ejercito Estrada" said that he had "strong and seriousdoubts" about the legality and constitutionality of Arroyo'sproclamation as president along with many other legal minds.

"I do not wish to be a factor that will prevent therestoration of unity and order in our civil society," he said.

"I leave the palace of our people with gratitude for theopportunities given to me for service to our people. I will notshirk from any future challenges that may come ahead in thesame service of our country. I call on all my supporters andfollowers to join me in the promotion of constructive nationalspirit of reconciliation and solidarity."

Earlier, a presidential spokesman said Estrada was having dinner with hisfamily inside the palace when the personnel carriers full ofpresidential guards moved in and parked in front of the building. Aguard outside said they were there to help protect Estrada. Thevehicles mysteriously left minutes after they arrived.