Erap guilty verdict draws indignation, calls for reconciliation

The Sandiganbayan Special Division's verdict Wednesday finding deposed president Joseph Estrada guilty of plunder generated various reactions from politicians and the public ranging from appeals for sobriety and reconciliation to expression of indignation. Vice President Noli de Castro I appeal to everyone to be sober and calm. Sa pagkakataong ito, ating isipin kung anong mga hakbang ang dapat gawin tungo sa pagkakaisa ng ating bayan. I support all efforts [toward] national reconciliation. Sa aking palagay, ang presidential pardon ang isa sa mga unang hakbang tungo sa pagkakaisa. Kaya naman umaapela ako sa dalawang kampo na pag-isipan ang posibilidad na ito. Let me clarify, however, that we should not equate pardon with the admission of guilt. Huwag po sana nating tingnan ang pagbibigay ng pardon na may ibang kahulugan maliban sa alok na pagkakaisa para sa ating bayan at pagbibigay dignidad sa isang dating pangulo. Senate President Manuel Villar Jr We are saddened by the decision of the Sandiganbayan in the light of our earnest hope for Presidents Estrada’s acquittal. I pray that he gets the justice that he richly deserves. The genius of our justice system works when we bestow faith in it. I am certain, given another day in court, President Estrada will get justice. plenary sessions, I observe that Senator Estrada is more worried about the fate of his father than himself. Judging from his demeanor and statements, it is the least of his concern whether or not he will be convicted of the charges. Speaker Jose de Venecia Jr I appeal to our people to let the law take its course and stay away from any precipitate political action that could do more harm than good to the national interest. Partisan politics and negative politics must take the back seat, for we must now focus our best efforts on the overriding national goal—that of sustaining the economic gains we have achieved. I believe that national unity is the final element to complete the framework for political stability and economic development that will enable the country to catch East Asia’s new wave of growth that is building up. Let us not miss this chance. Cardinal Gaudencio Rosales Let this be a constant reminder to the people elected or appointed to serve. The moral [lesson] in this is be moral. The verdict, even if still appealable, should remind all that the privileged authority to lead and to serve is always, and without exception, for the welfare of the people served. At the same time, the Cardinal urged supporters of Estrada to accept and respect the judgment of the anti-graft court. The law is to be respected. And part of the law is the provision to appeal to the higher court, for reconsideration, for a lesser verdict or pardon, etc. This should be the proper succeeding recourse instead of settling the score in the streets or elsewhere. CBCP president Angel Lagdameo We regard it also as a call to repentance and a call for change or conversion affecting not only the person of President Estrada but also many others in our government. The one who will profit from the good fruit of such a decision or judgment is no less than the country itself, which is known to have been suffering from all kinds of graft and corruption and plunder. It is a warning sign. Senator Mar Roxas II Nalulungkot ako at nakikiisa kay Pangulong Erap at sa kanyang pamilya. Sana ang hatol na ito ay hindi lubhang makaapekto sa karamdaman ng kanyang mahal na ina na si Doña Mary. I served under President Erap as his Trade Secretary. Throughout that time, not once did he ask me to do something indecent or irregular. And for that, he has earned my deepest respect, despite all that has happened. I shall do all I can can to extend my personal and moral support to President Erap in his appeal. Knowing Erap, this verdict will not derail him from helping the poor and giving voice to their afflictions. His legacy as the champion of the masses remains safe and secure in the hearts of millions of his friends and supporters. Senator Francis Escudero Sa aking pagkakaalam conspiracy ang charge sa kanilang tatlo, ibig sabihin ng conspiracy a crime of one is a crime of all. Kung inosente ang dalawa paano naman magiging guilty ang isa, nais kong basahin ang desisyon ng Sandiganbayan kung ano ang sinasabi nila tungkol sa bagay na ito. Nais ko ring ipabatid ang pagsaludo ko kay Pangulong Estrada, sa tapang at pagpapakumbabang ipinakita niya na harapin ang mga kasong isinampa laban sa kanya sa isang legal at mapayapang pamamaraan. Ito ay pagpapakita na bagaman may duda at pag-aalinlangan ang maraming tao sa independence ng Sandiganbayan buong tapang niyang hinarap ito upang patunayan ang kanyang pagiging inosente. Ang Edsa o people power na kinakatakutan nila, hindi po yan kayang pagplanuhan ng anumang grupo at kung mangyayari man yan hindi yan kayang hadlangan ng 6,000 pulis o 2,000 sundalo o anim na APC (armoured personnel carriers). Sayang lamang ang pagiging OA (over acting) nila sa takot na mangyayari sa kanila ang ginawa nila kay Pangulong Estrada noong 2001. Rep. Roilo Golez, Paranaque Since this involves capital punishment (i.e., life), the verdict is not final. It will be subject to automatic review by the Supreme Court, in effect, an appeal process. I am not in a position to comment on the justness of the Sandiganbayan decision. But noting the prior statements of the former president, I believe he would accept the decision like a real man that he is and will continue his pursuit of justice within the confines of the law. I join the appeal that the former President be treated with respect and dignity befitting a former president. That means, I believe he should be allowed to remain in Tanay. Finally, I believe all of us Filipinos, irrespective of political affiliation, should be one in the call for sobriety and circumspection and allow the process of law to take its course. Rep. Emmanuel Joel Villanueva, Cibac party-list I feel for the majority of the Filipinos who are saddened and maybe confused over the verdict. But the court has decided which I hope was based on merits and not a result of political haggling. On the other hand, you have to give it to President Erap for facing the case fare and square and for refusing to hide behind the skirt of technicalities or influence of power, a lesson that the administration of Gloria Macapagal Arroyo should heed and learn from. Anakpawis Rep. Crispin Beltran Sandiganbayan guilty verdict on Estrada case does not legitimize Macapagal-Arroyo's presidency; legal precedent set when it's Arroyo's turn to stand trial for charges of corruption, fraud and killings. As a matter of firm principle, we stand against theft of public or private funds by high government officials. We continue to sound the call for clean, honest and upright governance. The Sandigan's verdict, while it is against Estrada, neither deflects nor buries the truth that his predecessor Macapagal-Arroyo has committed worse plunder and corruption, not to mention more vicious attacks against the civil, political and human rights of Filipinos. With this landmark decision, the Sandiganbayan and all other courts are challenged to lay down decisions of a just and moral nature on cases against the incumbent executive and her officials. The guilty verdict on the plunder case against Estrada does not legitimize Macapagal-Arroyo's illegal hold on the presidency. We are now more concerned about the worsening national situation under his successor Macapagal-Arroyo. At least now, however, there is a legal precedent for the filing of similar plunder charges against Macapagal-Arroyo as soon or even before her term ends in 2010. May the historic verdict on former president Estrada serve as a warning against Macapagal-Arroyo who has committed worse crimes. To some degree and measure, the Filipino people can forward from this episode of history, but the direction of all our efforts must be towards addressing the crimes that the incumbent president continues to commit against the Filipino people. President Macapagal-Arroyo must not be allowed to escape legal and criminal accountability for the electoral fraud of 2004, the various government anomalies, financial scams and scandals that have erupted under her watch, and the endless series of extrajudicial killings and enforced disappearances of political activists and human rights advocates. The Macapagal-Arroyo administration should expect the Filipino people to be more watchful as an effect of the Sandiganbayan’s decision against Estrada. A similar verdict is what we are now hoping for when the time comes for Macapagal-Arroyo to stand trial for her numerous abuses of power. Donald Dee We’re happy that were able to follow the process. This is good news. This is very positive [on the investment side]. We can now move on. Black and White Movement We presume the court arrived at its decision after careful evaluation of evidence presented during the trial. However, the selective application of justice – expedient and with a heavy hand for those perceived to be enemies of the [Arroyo administration], while slow and protective toward those allied with her. What is the difference between Jose Velarde and Jose Pidal? Why has this government not pursued the cases against Nani Perez, Joc-Joc Bolante, Virgilio Garcillano, and more recently, Benjamin Abalos' alleged complicity in the ZTE deal? Instead of pursuing these cases, this administration has stonewalled through gag orders such as the illegal Executive Order 464 and questionable Memorandum Order 108. This reflects the sad state of our justice system where political patronage is the rule of the day. Those out of favor with the powers that be are prosecuted while those in the inner circle are beyond the reach of the long arm of the law. As former President "Erap" himself has put it… "weather-weather lang." Rep. Edcel Lagman, Albay The conviction of former President Joseph Ejercito Estrada of plunder upholds the guiding principles of a democratic system on the rule of law, the independence of the judiciary and accountability of public officials. It doubtless shows that no man is above the law, not even its highest and most powerful implementor. It is recognition of the reality that the victims of plunder are the people – the intended beneficiaries who are deprived of adequate social services from which were diverted the resources plundered. The ruling is a triumph of judicial independence. The Sandiganbayan was able to insulate itself from outside interference or undue influence not only from the judiciary’s co-equal departments, but from the passion of the mob that attempts to sway the Court’s decision in favor of the accused. Ultimately, the Sandiganbayan’s decision affirms the constitutional principle of accountability of public officers. It is a challenge to all government officials and employees to at all times serve the people with utmost responsibility, integrity, loyalty, and efficiency, act with patriotism and justice, and lead modest lives. Mayor Alfredo Lim Erap’s popularity has actually never been higher than right now. Erap is far more powerful today than he ever was as a President. Despite the guilty verdict, Erap is vindicated by the show of trust, love and support coming from his friends, supporters and people from all walks of life. These alone will compensate for the grave injustice done to him. Makati Mayor Jejomar Binay Today is the saddest part of our lives because this is the day that President Estrada was convicted in haste. I wonder why there is haste in convicting him when the government has not even touch the cases of a Jocelyn “Jocjoc" Bolante and a Nani Perez" Binay said. We knew that Erap was bound to be convicted regardless of the facts of the case, or else Arroyo’s ascension to the Presidency in 2001 cannot be deemed anything else but illegal and contrary to proper procedure. Within that context, they had to find him guilty. Justice applied unevenly is actually injustice. You cannot have one set of rules and laws for yourself and your associates, and another set for your political opponents. The ZTE controversy – which involves millions of dollars in alleged kickbacks - is the latest in a long list of irregularities that have defined the Arroyo administration since it came to power illegally in 2001 and again in 2004. But as expected, none of these cases have been accorded the zeal and attention given by the Ombudsman to the Estrada case and those cases involving perceived enemies of Mrs. Arroyo. Mandaluyong Mayor Benhur Abalos There is nothing that has affected the political arena in our country as much as the institution of the criminal case of plunder against former President Joseph “Erap" Estrada. As the fateful day dawned, the constant drumming of public opinion has reached a crescendo of diversity that may peak into a situation of confusion and chaos—not a scenario that is favorable to the best interest of our people. As President of the League of Cities of the Philippines (LCP), I speak on behalf of the mayors that comprise the council of leadership that has sworn to uphold the interest of the people they have come to serve. Paramount to this oath of office is our advocacy to preserve the rule of law. Admittedly, while each of us have sworn to defend and safeguard the well-being of our constituents, the manner in which we implement our objectives differ, as may be dictated by each individual’s political inclinations. Herein lies the essence of democracy—respect for the rule of law amidst the diversity in opinion and political partiality. This was made manifest in the conduct of our various political leaders and statement as they participated in the legal proceedings of the plunder case. Notably, throughout the whole trial, the supporters of former President Estrada have consistently called for sobriety and respect for the processes of the court. A calling that is reflective of their evident belief in the system of justice that abides in our courts. Admirably, this is an undertaking each of us members of the League of Cities in the Philippines (LCP) will respect and abide. The strength of our commitment to serve our people lies not in the political affiliation of which we are part of, rather, it lies instead in our abilities to overcome such influences in order to uphold and defend the rule of law. LTO chief Reynaldo Berroya Even before the decision was made, I am positive that he will be given a guilty verdict, and he should be treated the same treatment given to ordinary convicts to be fair. How can we show to the people that this government is fair if we will give Estrada, who had been convicted with a crime, different treatment from other criminals? Union of Local Authorities of the Philippines We are appealing to our people to remain calm and sober in the face of the Sandigan Bayan's verdict on the case against former President Joseph Estrada. It is imperative for our people to let the rule of law prevail at this time because the decision of the anti-graft court is a milestone that underlines the constitutional precept that no man is above the law. However, unfortunate or painful as this episode may be for us, it sends a resounding message to our nation that law is stern and applies to all Filipinos, regardless of class and status. With our country on the verge of an unprecedented economic takeoff, our people need to work as one - now more than ever - in pursuit of the national vision to transform the Philippines into a first-world economy by the year 2020. Hence, we are calling on all sectors to abide by this decision of the Sandigan Bayan and pray for natural reconciliation. We have to allow the rule of law to take ist due course and bear in mind that the former Chief Executive can, and is likely to exhaust all legal options available to him in pursuing the final resolution of his case. This is the only way for us to further strenghen our democratic system and keep our economy on its upward trajectory, more so because ex-President Estrada himself has publicly declared on the eve of the Sandigan Bayan decision, that his principal concern now is not his own freedom but our people's search for truth and their fight against poverty. - GMANews.TV