Pardon Erap? Pardon Me?!

Perhaps I will never ever understand the world of politics. Philippine politics, specifically. But, come to think of it, I don’t think the politicians do either. That’s why if they’re not at each other’s throats, they “unite” to get at another’s.

Former president Joseph “Erap” Estrada was unseated during the People Power 2 amidst all the numerous allegations against him. Some people questioned the legality of the process, but I believe the Filipinos (well, some, if not most) had spoken their displeasure over his presidency. Then a few weeks ago, the Sandiganbayan found Erap guilty of plunder after a 6-year long trial. He was sentenced to a penalty of reclusion perptua.

Before the trial, Erap said he would…

• respect the decision of the Sandiganbayan
• NOT ask for pardon from the president

After the trial, Erap said he…

• has “lost faith” in the Philippine justice system when he was found guilty
• is willing to accept a pardon from Mrs. Arroyo (and what do you know, he and his lawyers even seek for a full, free, and unconditional pardon)

How quickly we change our mind, eh? And all these despite the fact that he is being given a special treatment, so unlike the other criminals convicted of a crime less than what he did. Take into consideration that he fooled not only one person, but the whole nation. And now, the Arroyo and her cohorts want to give the twerp a *drum roll* pardon!

Hear ye the words of the wise who calls the Arroyo administration a spineless wimp!

But holy bejeezuz, I think I knew that this would happen all along. I think it’s just another “bati-bati na tayo” political culture in the country, where people are enemies at one term, then allies the next. Especially when power and influence all come into play. GMA is evidently saving her own skin from being flayed by the Erap supporters.

This might be grasping at straws as thin as Joey de Venecia’s hairline, but I think one of the reasons why “poor Erap” was convicted is because he was a former president. You know people, the bigger fish they catch, the bigger the glory and better the spotlight would be. If the sole reason why he deserves to be jailed is to show everyone that justice, as well as hypocrisy, knows no bounds, then why not convict the other corrupt officials of the same crime? All talk and no work makes the government lose whatever credibility it has left.

Dean Bacobo presents an interesting angle to what Eugine Villar says is a conspiracy theory:

Strange talk among erap insiders is that he may support chacha and make a big political comeback. personally i think he doesn’t want dona mary to die thinking of her son as a convict in detention. he may be doing it for her, because for so long, as you say, he insisted he would never admit guilt and would clear his name.

Ding Fuello feels that a pardon for Erap makes a mockery of justice. Bebadz says that it “would set a bad precedent,” and would in fact “embolden public officials to steal some more.” Monaco gives “top ten (+1) serious and frivolous reasons on why erap is not worthy of a pardon” (the last one being outrageously funny, haha). Ederic Eder asks, “Ganyan na lang ba?” He adds,

Ang nakapanlulumo at nakapagtataka, nakagagalit at nakapaghihimagsik, halos wala kang maririnig na anumang pagtutol sa ginagawang ito ng kasalukuyang administrasyon. Para bang normal na bahagi na ng kalakaran ng buhay na ang isang mandarambong ay siya pang lalapitan at hahainan ng kapatawaran. Ano na ang nangyari sa atin? Tuluyan na kayang binaluktot nina Erap at Gloria ang pagpapahalaga (values) ng buong bansa?

So where does that leave me? Let’s just say that I’m against any moves of giving pardon to Erap, “full, free, and unconditional” or otherwise.