Erap Found Guilty

Yesterday, former president Joseph Estrada was found guilty of plunder. “Guilty” was splashed as the headine of the Philippine Star. In the banner story written by Sandy Araneta, she reports that the former president was sentenced to spend “practically the rest of his life in jail.”

“I am at peace with myself” says Erap. He was also acquitted of perjury.

Am not a political writer. The closest would be as a columnist for the Manila Times. And must admit have not been following the case through the years.

But am scribbling about Erap’s presence among the Filipino “masa.”

Born April 19, 1937, Jose Marcelo Ejercito rose to fame as a popular former film actor in the Philippines. He did 158 movies throughout his career.

He was elected the 13th President of the Philippines and served from June 30, 1998 to January 20, 2001, until he was ousted by “People Power II.” I didn’t join that historical event, unlike the four days I was in EDSA back in February 1986.

Even while under house arrest, he was continued to affect and influence Pinoy politics. Politicians request to be present whenever he is at his Greenhills home.

I guess, even while he is behind bars, whether under house-arrest in Tanay or is some “bilibid,” only history will judge how his presence in the political landscape affected the lives of the “masa.”

DoD photo by Helene C. Stikkel. (Released)