A Hollow Triumph

September 12, 2007.  This day will go down in Philippine history as the day the Sandiganbayan found former President Joseph E. Estrada guilty of plunder and sentenced him to reclusion perpetua. I am not surprised by the verdict. Nevertheless, I am very interested to read the entire decision.  It's an interest any lawyer would have as this is the very first plunder case and it involves a former President of the Republic.  I downloaded a copy of the decision at the Sandiganbayan website and converted it to Word. It's freakin' 295 pages! Nevertheless, I will find time to read it. 

Like I said, I am not surprised by the verdict. It feels like a hollow triumph though. I cannot help but be cynical about the whole deal since although a big fish like Erap is a great catch, bigger fishes are still out there…the Marcos Billions, the PEA-Amari Deal and Hello Garci scandal still remain unresolved and unpunished. (All involving Philippine presidents by the way)  Could it be that these presidents have better friends?  Could it be they are just better at covering their tracks? Could it be this triumph is just the triumph of the elite, a reminder that they, after all, rule this country and no better than make this fact known but to beat Erap, the hero of the masses?  

Graft and corruption is deeply embedded in Philippine society. The decision in the Erap plunder case will hardly cure this disease that is eating away the very soul of Philippine politics.  It is everywhere from the President, to senators, to congressmen, to the traffic policeman.  It is a sad  and depressing reality especially for a government employee  like  me.  It is discouraging for all those  working in government who stay clean  and who serve the public despite  the low pay  and the common perception that people in government are as corrupt as its leaders. 

Ironically, the verdict called for the forfeiture of Erap's millions in favor of the government. I had this vision of the money going straight to the pockets of our corrupt leaders while the rest of the country are bearing the brunt of their ill-doings. It's a vicious, vicious cycle.  And considering the fucked state our country is in, one can't help but lose hope, pack his bag and leave this country for good.  

Yet somewhere in the recesses of my heart, there is that small glimmer of hope that perhaps this verdict will be a sign of change for our country.  Though I may be looking at this life through rose-colored glasses, I still pray that someday things would be better. 

All I can do is dream.  All I can do is hope.

Photo Source: INQUIRER.net