Well, well, well. What do we have here. PHP215M turned over from a plunderer to the Philippine government. Many Filipinos today question the difference between the former and the latter. I say the latter has a mole and an Economics degree. The President has been dogged by a variety of scandals, ranging from nepotism in the handling of government contracts (such as the ZTE Broadband scandal), to mysterious cash gifts being given out to local government officials during shady meetings at the Malacanang Palace. All these incidents involve money, all of these speak of corruption. In this case, the small portion of Estrada’s ill-gotten wealth was confiscated. Wealth from a supposed defender of the masses, wealth garnered from exploiting the masses by a gambling system, wealth that bought mansions and large estates, wealth that supported the lavish lifestyle of his mistresses and their numerous children. He is the epitome of corruption.

 

Despite all the scandals to the Arroyo administration, she has amazingly dodged impeachment complaint after impeachment complaint, dealt with multiple and successive mutinies within the military, and weakened the already paltry hold of the opposition on branches of government. Her master stroke seems to have been giving of her foremost (at least the most famous) enemy, Joseph Estrada, a pardon for his plunder conviction. That strategic move speaks of her maturity in the Philippine political scene.

 

Because of how the media and small but loud opposition groups portray the Philippine government, what people tend to forget is her amazing achievement in turning around the economy. Previously volatile and highly susceptible to capital flight during tense, scandalous times, the economy seems to be doing very well. While this may not be felt by the general masses (based on contested survey results), it must be conceded that progress is being made, however slow its effects seem to trickle down to the grassroots.

 The former top senator of the Philippines, and ex-Vice-President should start shoring up her image as she ends her term 2010. She should be able to convince her citizens of the reforms necessary for growth. And, she should simply apply rank discipline when it comes to corruption. National reconciliation? Bah.