Philippines' ex-prez Estrada is released

[mallard]

Source: Yahoo! News (Associated Press)

"MANILA, Philippines - Ousted President Joseph Estrada was a free man Friday for the first time in 6 1/2 years after his successor pardoned his graft conviction in a move touted as an effort to bridge the Philippines' deep political rifts.

"A court order was issued allowing the 70-year-old former action film star to leave his villa east of Manila, where he has spent most of his time in detention since he was arrested after being forced out by the country's second "people power" revolt in January 2001.

"Estrada was convicted last month after a landmark six-year trial on charges that he took bribes and kickbacks while in office. He was given a life sentence, but was pardoned Thursday by President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo."


Read more: http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20071026/ap_on_re_as/philippines_estrada

---

Erap got set up and took a bad rap back in '01; was displaced by Gloria (G-L-O-R-I-A) who took over the same day Bush was inauguarted - as if 20 January would give her more staying power.

Joseph, you can go home to your mother now, but leave PR politics to the politico masters of never-ending corruption.

[Islander Expat]

1. Interesting vid on Erap I was just watching....

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A-w9gAX6j_Y

[mallard]

4. Re: gordon clip

Great find - thanks for sharing it.

Never really liked Richard Gordon, ever since he was the yuppy mayor of Olongopo in the early '80's, later 'Mr Subic', too much. His sobbing during the interview about security smashing his own personal base gate windows, while his thugs were violently attacking cops and soldiers, is hardly very convincing, but still well worth watching anyhow.

The documenters were definitely taking sides with him and trying to help bring Estrada down soon thereafer. The old power-that-be game obviously didn't see Erap get too far with reclaiming Subic for the Filipinos.

Haven't seen that much of the inside of Subic since '83.

Thanks again.

[Islander Expat]

5. Was a pretty good documentary though, eh?

But yes, you're right. Dick Gordon's been stuffing his pockets for many years with that gig in Olongapo.
He needs to be reminded there's no such thing as royalty in a democracy.

Comparing the his Daddy with JFK took the cake though.

IE
Philippines

[mallard]

6. Re so you're there

Mabuhay

Yes, Gordon's another brat son of a big time player from the days of American presence far beyond the base checkpoints that came to define America's place in the Phils long before I ever saw the place.

Dumb, but likeable, Erap didn't pass the Imelda smell test. At least it's over now.



mallard in center of taiwan

[Islander Expat]

7. Did you know the US fighter plane on display in front of Cubi Point NAS?

Did ya know when the base closed Gordon has them paint his name on the side as "pilot"?

LOL

[Ian David]

2. Free Ponch!

[Turbineguy]

3. The bases are closed

The Sailors and Airmen have left, but the US is still the 800 pound gorilla in Philppine politics. If Al Gore had become President, things would be different except she would still be sucking up to the US for guidance and help. The corruption would be more beneficial, but still be corruption.

Corruption is woven into the very fabric there. It's economic, political and religious.