“It was like the world didn’t even seem to stop for that 15-minute broadcast of Erap’s verdict. Hindi katulad ng mga laban ni Pacquiao na pinapanood talaga (It wasn’t like Pacquiao’s matches that people really watch),” Joan Romero, a computer shop assistant, said when asked about the verdict of former President Joseph “Erap” Ejercito Estrada.

The Supreme Court sentenced Erap to reclusion perpetua last September 12, 2007. Estrada’s Boracay mansion was forfeited and he was fined more than 731 million pesos.

Erap was found guilty on two counts (out of the four that was filed against him), the Jueteng kickbacks and using government funds for buying shares of stocks and collecting commission for personal disposal.

Quel Valencia, an ABC Sports Writer, said that she thinks former President Estrada was not acquitted because it will directly affect the term of the present President.

“Ipinakita lang nun [the verdict] ang kapangyarihan ng administrasyon, madami kasing kumakalaban sa kanila (Through the verdict, the present administration demonstrated their power because there are a lot of people against them),” according to Joel Madrid, a jeepney driver (route: Guadalupe-Pateros). He also said that it was a decision made was biased towards political interests of the present administration.

For Mang Quintin, a carpenter-on-call, he was moved to tears when Erap was convicted. Even if the former president is guilty, he said that he should at least be pardoned with the tons of money asked from him and the forfeiture of his mansion.

Like Mang Quintin, Julie Obana, an employee of Team Pacific Corporation, said that it was too much. They are waiting for a pardon for Erap although they doubt that it would be soon.

For updates on Erap after the verdict, check out:

• The Estrada Trial (in Inquirer.net)
• The Official Website of Joseph Ejercito Estrada