Tuesday, October 30, 2007 Malilong: Gloria’s gamble By Frank Mlilong Other Side
DON'T bite the hand that freed you.
Erap Estrada may be the clueless bloke that the crude Erap jokes have pictured him to be but he knows his quid pro quo. He is not joining the renewed calls for the resignation of Gloria Arroyo.
The “absolute and unconditional pardon” that Cardinal Vidal, among others, recommended for the convicted ex-president should not fool anyone. The reason Arroyo granted it, and in haste yet, was, aside from Erap’s implied recognition of the legitimacy of her presidency, his pledge not to take part in any “destabilization efforts” against her.
We all know, of course, that no guarantee is ever written in granite in Philippine politics. Erap could change his mind. Remember what Imelda Marcos once said to justify her turning back on a promise not to seek elective office? She had to listen to the clamor of the people.
Estrada won the presidency in one of the most lopsided elections in Philippine history, a testament to his huge popularity among the people, especially the poor, whose cause he publicly, although perhaps not as sincerely, espoused.
The years spent in prison have done nothing to diminish his mass appeal. In fact, they only served to fortify their loyalty to him.
Very clearly, Arroyo took a chance in freeing her predecessor. She probably reckoned that Erap and his followers would appreciate his pardon as a personal favor from her and will reciprocate her kindness by tolerating her.
The gamble appears to be holding. But how long? If and when mass discontent with the administration becomes even more pronounced and the voices demanding that she steps down become louder, will he, unlike Imelda, ignore the people’s clamor?
Can he not, in that event, break his word and look righteous? And even if there is no popular clamor, could he overcome pride, resist temptation and say no to those who whisper in his ears that his destiny lies not in fence-sitting?
No wonder, Arroyo’s boys are falling over themselves trying to please Erap or at least to keep him busy from mischief. Cerge Remonde has hinted that Erap might be offered a job that would put him in charge of the war against poverty. Ignacio Bunye also said as much.
From Loi Estrada came a damper, however: appointment to any government position would be a demotion for him.
Perhaps, they should give Erap’s old position back? Who knows, he might do a better job of running the country this time.
