fter six long years, the Sandiganbayan court (the Philippine court that tries plunder and corruption cases) has finally ruled on the plunder and perjury charges against former President Joseph Estrada. The wheels of Philippine justice indeed grind slowly. But since all things must come to an end, so must this case. The Sandiganbayan found Estrada not guilty of perjury but found him guilty of plunder, and sentenced him to life imprisonment.

Along with that judgment, his properties including the infamous Boracay Mansion in New Manila were declared forfeited to the government.

Estrada gets to stay in his Tanay resthouse for the time being, but to many Filipinos, especially those who have since left the country and now live in "first world" democracies, wonder if they will finally see closure in this matter. Like the Marcoses before him, will the former president be a free man or at least living like one in a few years time?

Filipinos seem by nature to be forgiving to a fault. Even now there are many who want Estrada forgiven and even pardoned by President Arroyo. If this happens, the Philippines will continue to be seen as a country where closure: legal, political or otherwise, never happens. And a younger set of future plunderers will be taking their cues from these events and be emboldened by it.

Without realizing it, Filipinos who joined EDSA Dos (and even EDSA One) were putting their lives on the line when they stood up against the Estrada (and Marcos) government. They deserve to see justice served. If corrupt officials are found guilty, they need to be punished; not given a slap on the wrist. Only time will tell if Filipinos have finally turned the corner or not.