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Bu-lat-lat (boo-lat-lat) verb: to search, probe, investigate, inquire; to unearth facts Issue No. 43 December 9 -15, 2001 Quezon City, Philippines |
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Bu-lat-lat (boo-lat-lat) verb: to search, probe, investigate, inquire; to unearth facts Issue No. 43 December 9 -15, 2001 Quezon City, Philippines |
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Analysis This is a featurized version of the briefing paper prepared by PlunderWatch dated November 28, 2001 which analyzes the disposition of the powers-that-be as regards ousted President Joseph Estrada and the plunder case filed against him. BY
PLUNDER WATCH The
recent Supreme Court decision upholding the constitutionality of the plunder law
gives the green light to the continuation of the trial of Joseph Estrada for
plunder and his continued detention albeit under “hospital arrest.” This
latest twist in the long-drawn out fight to render just punishment to deposed
President Estrada for his numerous crimes is, without a doubt, a victory for the
people. Given
the weight of evidence against ousted President Estrada, can we now say with
confidence that the logical outcome of this trial will be his conviction and
punishment? Unfortunately, the answer is No. Why
do we say this? First,
the wheels of justice are exceedingly slow. Especially so when the stakes
are high, the accused are “big fish,” and the defense lawyers find or invent
legal fine print to prolong or accelerate the process as it suits their client.
Moreover, the justices trying highly controversial cases such as this are
subject to all kinds of inducements as well as pressures to delay or derail the
progress of the trial. Second,
the Estrada faction of the elite, although temporarily “down,” should
certainly not be considered as “out.” Pwersa ng Masa Senators Panfilo Lacson,
Edgardo Angara, Gringo Honasan and Loi Estrada are in power. There are
still a significant number of pro-Estrada congressman, governors, and mayors
down the line. Although each of them is trying to find ways of entering
into some kind of modus vivendi with the current government, many remain
Estrada loyalists. They can easily be galvanized once the Estrada camp makes a
new bid for dominance. Watch as 2004 election approaches. Let’s
not forget that the Estrada ill-gotten wealth estimated to be at least P4
billion has not been recovered; the cronies have even more stashed away.
Moreover, there remains a sizeable number of Estrada loyalists among the poor
who are kept ignorant of his crimes and who are manipulated to attend rallies
and demonstrations in his favor. Third,
President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo no longer considers the pursuit of justice
against deposed President Estrada a priority. Were it not for strong
public opinion against allowing Estrada to be placed under house arrest, or to
go abroad for medical treatment, or to be allowed to attend all sorts of social
functions, Estrada would be given even more special treatment than he is already
getting now. Mrs. Arroyo, this early, is trying to woo the pro-Erap votes for
her reelection bid in 2004 while keeping their restiveness under control through
dole-outs, promises and being nice to their idol, Estrada. Fourth,
everyday our people are confronted with the growing problem of survival as the
economic situation deteriorates. Add to this is the scourge of
militarization and political repression as different sectors’ grievances and
demands are left unheeded and instead met with police and military actions.
The Arroyo government blindly follows the US-led drumbeat of “globalization”
and “war against terrorism.” Indeed many more pressing and certainly more
life-threatening issues threaten to engulf us. No wonder that the sense of
urgency and the agitation for justice versus Mr. Estrada is beginning to dim. Fifth, media interest and focus on the Estrada trial will be difficult to sustain. The presentation of witnesses and other evidence is moving at a snail‘s pace, is boring even for the lawyers and lacking in the dramatic twists and turns of the impeachment trial. The ban on live media coverage ensures that the court proceedings will be inaccessible for most except the most assiduous such as the reporters, members of Plunder Watch and the security escorts of Estrada and co-accused. The Estrada camp and the Arroyo regime are likely one in wanting to put the plunder trial in the backburner of public attention. Bulatlat.com We want to know what you think of this article.
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