Joseph Ejercito "Guilty"

Everyone was glued to their TV waiting for the verdict that will be given to former president Joseph "Erap" Estrada. The administration did an overkill preparing for the worst scenario should supporters of the Erap take it to the streets. Classes were also suspended in the areas where rallies are expected to occur. But even as the guilty verdict was given for plunder charges, sentencing him to 40 years in prison, there was no violent uproar from his supporters, thank God!

Perhaps, the masses were already jaded by the frequent rallies that occured before. People power has been abused, in my opinion, that its very essence was lost. Watching the supporters being interviewed on TV about their opinion or reaction to the guilty verdict of their hero, I saw resignation in their faces.

The supporters of the former president were mostly the masses. The poorest among the poor who hailed him before as their Robin Hood. They believed in him and for all I know may still believe in him but the fact remains that their lives will not change whether Erap is freed or not. One coconut vendor said' " I am sad that he is guilty but I have no time to rally on the streets, I have to sell my coconuts."

The very words of this coconut vendor reflects the people's worn-out attitude for the things concerning politics. He knows that his situation will not change whoever sits as president.

For now, we just have to wait and see if the term given to Erap will really be executed. Some say a presidential pardon is forthcoming.