The political milieu of an entire generation was molded around the contempt of the people against Former President Joseph Estrada. He is, after all, a very good example of what we don’t want from a President, whether it’s superficial or something that runs deep into our political consciousness. Countless times, Estrada has proven himself to be a man without remorse: whether it’s for womanizing, drinking, his lack of education compared to his peers, plunder. Pardoned after what passes for a prison sentence, Erap is back in the game: seemingly running for the Presidency for the sole purpose of vindicating himself.
In any other society – even within this one – where shame and dishonor is carried through entire lifetimes and generations, Erap seems to be the exemption, as he was years ago when he governed without regard for it. Yet from a certain perspective, Erap deserves to run, if only to take back the Presidency which, in yet another brazen note, he thinks of a trophy rather than a mandate. After EDSA II, with the massive discontent that followed the administration that replaced him, Erap sees his bid for the Presidency as vindication. As vendetta upon those who have taken him out. To vindicate himself in the eyes of the populace that once gave him the most support in a single election year.
