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.
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