My Perception About Erap’s Conviction
At last, after almost 6 years, the most awaited verdict of all times has been declared. Former President Jospeh Estrada has been found GULITY in beyond reasonable doubt of plunder by the Sandiganbayan and has been sentenced to reclusion perpetua (life imprisonment). But unfortunately (should I say this?) the perjury case was dismissed.
Mostly, after a verdict has been said, the criminal should be handcuff and at the same time be imprisoned temporarily in Muntinlupa jail until further notice. But after the declararation of Erap’s verdict, he is not handcuff and the court said it would allow Estrada to stay at his resthouse in Tanay, Rizal “until further orders.”
Too much considerations are given to Mr. Estrada. Let’s face the truth, when an ordinary citizen is being convicted, whether it has a complicated health condition, no special treatment is being given to them.
Estrada is considered the first Philippine president to have been criminally convicted.
The former president still insisting that he is innocent and the cases against him are just “politicaly motivated.”
Initial reports of the nature of the conviction pronounce Estrada guilty of the PHP 545 million jueteng case and the Belle Corporation case, while the other two charges were dropped.
The sentence of reclusion perpetua also includes the return to the government of the over PHP 200 million Erap Muslim Youth foundation and PHP 189 million Jose Velarde monies, the penalty of civil interdiction, and perpetual absolute exclusion from public office.
The Court has also ordered the arrest of all the other co-defendants in the case.
Joseph Estrada known as ERAP when read backward is PARE which means a companion. But after all the crimes as well as other violations that he committed, can we call him as our PARE?.
“Let the Estrada verdict serve as a stern warning against the current occupants of Malacañang who may end up with the same fate,” the leftist umbrella group Bayan said in a statement. “The President and her close associates have been accused of systematic corruption on a far bigger scale than Estrada.”
Socrates’ wife Xantippe visited him in prison and bewailed the jury for condemning him. “They are by their nature also condemned,” Socrates said. “But the condemnation is unjust!” persisted the wife. “Would you prefer it to be just?” asked Socrates. — Clifton Fadiman
