MANILA, Philippines -  Vice-presidential candidate Perfecto Yasay on Thursday clarified that his "apology" to former president Joseph Estrada, was taken out of context.

Yasay, who is the running mate of Bro. Eddie Villanueva of Bangon Plipinas, said that he has "long forgiven" Estrada, but he does not owe him an apology for "standing up for truth".

"Because I hurt and offended his feelings, I know that I also owe him an apology. No, I did not owe him apology for what I did in standing up for truth, justice and righteousness, which I will continue to do for as long as I live, but because he too is one of God’s wondrous creation, and as a fellow Christian, I have to reconcile with my brother, not his sins, which I continue to reject," he said in a statement.

"What is clear is that I did not retract, withdraw or diminish my testimony against him during the Senate Hearings with respect to his involvement in the BW stock market scandal and in the historic impeachment trial. I did not condone the crimes he committed and for which he was duly convicted by the Sandiganbayan, although granted absolute pardon by the incumbent President," he said.

Yasay was Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) chief during Estrada's term.

Yasay also said that he would like to "respectfully suggest" to Estrada that he "reflect and meditate" about the sins he committed "against the people," or "at the very least" repent and ask for their forgiveness.

"Only then can he truly be liberated from his crimes and mistakes and stand up before the whole world as a free man," he said.

Yasay's clarifications came after he publicly apologized to Estrada on Sunday during the 25th anniversary celebration of the Kingdom of Jesus Christ in Davao City.

"I would like to apologize for I have failed to ask forgiveness for what happened ten years ago. I have offended this man and I ask for his forgiveness," Yasay said during the program.

Yasay said he was "only used" in the "conspiracy" to oust Estrada.

"Please accept my public apology for being so naive... [for] allowing myself to be used by some to grab the presidency from you," he said.

Estrada, who is running again for president, accepted Yasay's apology, saying he has already forgiven all those who "conspired" against him ten years ago.

The Kingdom of Jesus Christ movement is led by Pastor Apollo Quiboloy.

The celebrations of the movement's 25th anniversary was attended by numerous candidates vying for national and local posts, including Estrada and Yasay, who are allegedly seeking the backing of Quiboloy and the movement.