CBCP welcomes Estrada guilty verdict
Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines President and Jaro Archbishop Angel Lagdameo yesterday said the guilty verdict against former President Joseph Estrada for the crime of plunder was a "warning sign" against graft and corruption.
"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," said Lagdameo in a brief statement issued from Lipa City in Batangas where he is attending the 4th National Pilgrimage.
Lagdameo, who was among those at the forefront in calling for Estrada's resignation in 2001, said the Church respects the judgment of the Sandiganbayan "as a human judgment by a human court tasked precisely to examine the case."
He said they regard the decision 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 prelate said they will pray for the ousted President "that he may have the spiritual strength to face the new situation which is not beyond the reach of "divine mercy."
Leaders of the broad multi-sectoral movement also welcomed the conviction of Estrada.
"I am happy that justice has been served and that the justice system still works in this country. May this serve both as a lesson and an example," said physician Kristin Treñas, one of the leaders of the Estrada Resign Movement in Iloilo in 2001.
The militant Bagong Alyansang Makabayan (Bayan) in Panay said it welcomes the conviction but warned that the decision could still be reversed by the Supreme Court or through a presidential pardon.
"This is only a validation of the historic uprising of the people in 2001. But we must remain vigilant against moves of the Arroyo administration to accommodate Estrada to ensure her continued stay in power," said Bayan Panay spokesperson Aurelio Bosque.
Bernie Colasising, 25, a security guard, said he believes the verdict was just.
"There was evidence that Erap stole from the people," he said.
But he said the verdict won't affect the situation of the people.
"It might even get worse. Despite what he did, life was better during Estrada's time compared to now under Gloria," said Colasising.