Dekada '70 is a 2002 Filipino drama film released based on the acclaimed novel by Filipino author, Lualhati Bautista. The film was restored by the ABS-CBN Film Archive.
After nine years, the shouts of "Erap resign!" followed by the singing of "Bayan Ko," prompting the crowd to call for the resignation of then President Joseph Estrada in time for the EDSA Dos and led to the installation of Vice President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo as President at the EDSA Shrine on January 20, 2001.
Protesters continued to throng the Edsa Shrine, with Manila Archbishop Jaime Cardinal Sin exhorting them to stay ‘‘until evil is conquered by good."
Former President Corazon Aquino, widow of the man whose assassination triggered the public outrage that culminated in the 1986 ‘‘People Power" revolt, called for bigger numbers, saying: ‘‘Our prayer is that there will be more people who will gather at Edsa in the coming days."
Speaking before the crowd clustered on the three levels and both lanes of the historic highway fronting the shrine, Sin said the millions of people who valued the truth were more than sufficient to stand up to "only one immoral President and 11 shameless senators."
"Stay here until evil is conquered by good. Stay here until corruption is overcome by integrity. Stay here and pray. Stay here and keep watch," he said in a homily that was interrupted several times by applause and by slogans demanding President Estrada’s resignation.
The mostly black-clad protesters, made up of both organized groups and those who joined ‘‘spontaneously," estimated their number as bigger than the crowd that converged on the shrine for a prayer rally last Nov. 4. By 8:30 p.m. they were estimated to number at least 200,000, with the arrival of delegations from Central Luzon and Southern Tagalog.
Earlier in the day, fresh off a plane from Hong Kong where he had warned of a possible military coup, former President Fidel Ramos walked the 10-kilometer distance from the Ninoy Aquino International Airport to the Edsa Shrine, urging soldiers to join the protests.
A broad alliance of anti-Estrada forces called on the public to support "People Power II" and vowed not to leave Edsa until Mr. Estrada is ousted.
Priests urged the people to bring extra food, drinks and clothes for the long haul.
"They should also bring rain gear and thick clothes for the cold," an organizer said.
Leaders of a newly formed ad hoc committee for the coordinated protest actions expressed optimism that they would soon gather as many as a million people at the site of the 1986 revolt that toppled the Marcos dictatorship.
"We call on all freedom-loving Filipinos, including our fearless prosecutors and senators, to take to the streets and intensify protest actions to oust Estrada and his ruling clique from power," said Rafael Mariano, chair of the Bagong Alyansang Makabayan and of the Kilusang Magbubukid ng Pilipinas.
He said the 11-10 vote of the senator-judges Tuesday night -- which triggered noise barrages and street protests nationwide -- confirmed that the people no longer had to wait for Feb. 12, when the impeachment court is scheduled to hand down its verdict.
Mariano said it was now "very clear" that the court would vote to acquit the President, who declared Tuesday that he intended to complete his term.
Hope
Sin, who also celebrated a Mass at the Edsa Shrine chapel Tuesday night, told yesterday’s crowd: "I have hope because you are here. You are the hope of this nation. So long as you are here, I can keep on hoping. There is only one immoral President and 11 shameless senators.
"There are millions and millions of people who will safeguard the truth and, if necessary, die for the truth."
But while hopeful that street protests would lead to the ouster of the President, thousands wore black as a sign of mourning.
"(Tuesday) night was a night of infamy. Today we wear black to display our anger and frustration over the 11 senators’ blatant disregard for truth and justice," Ruth Cervantes, a convenor of the Estrada Resign Movement (Resign), said in an interview.
"It was a spontaneous reaction. But some were urged by our friends through text messages (Tuesday night) to wear black," said Ariane Alinggayu of the Habitat for Humanity.
Alinggayu and her co-workers said they were proud to wear black to show their disgust.
"What happened that night was very disgusting. We want the truth to come out, but they wouldn’t allow it. It’s very sad," she said.
Even private prosecutor Frank Chavez, a former solicitor general, was wearing a black shirt.
"It was a blatant mockery and gross travesty of justice," said Chavez. "What the 11 senators did was a total repudiation of the impeachment process. They have completely isolated themselves from the people."
Chavez also said the protesters were wearing black not only to press the demand for Mr. Estrada’s resignation but also "to display our anger at the brazen way by which the impeachment proceedings were prostituted."
Disillusion
Sin and the entire presbyterium of the Manila Archdiocese had earlier expressed their disillusion with the impeachment court.
"How can we not be angry when the senators were not pursuing the truth but the acquittal of the President?" he said in his homily.
He added: "With the evidence presented, only the inept and the crazy can believe that he is as innocent as a dove and as pure as a baby.
"The way they voted was a preview of how they would vote on the President’s guilt. They voted not to bring out the truth.
"We are angry at the manipulation of the truth and the manipulation of the poor."
In a statement, Archbishop Orlando Quevedo, president of the Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines, said the 11 senators had allowed narrow rules and traditional politics to influence them.
‘‘Truth has been subverted. Expectedly, they have ignited the fire of people’s indignation and outrage," Quevedo said.
Sin also addressed the "Catholic laymen" in the Cabinet, who, he said, continued to hold on to their posts despite the evidence against Mr. Estrada.
"How can you face God and sleep at night and at the same time support the President? We say to the Cabinet: Resign," he said.
"You should have done this a long time ago. I said this during the campaign . . . If he is elected, it will be a disaster. And (now), you see."
Aquino also appealed to Finance Secretary Jose Pardo to quit.
The cardinal was all praise for the 10 senators who voted for the opening of the second envelope containing crucial documents, and for the prosecutors.
He broke off from his homily to egg the crowd to cheer for Senators Raul Roco, Rene Cayetano and Franklin Drilon.
He exhorted the protesters to lift their anger to the Lord and ask Him to touch Mr. Estrada and the 11 senators.
"All things are possible in God," Sin said.
Rain or shine
The protesters vowed to stay at the Edsa Shrine "rain or shine" until they ‘‘reclaim power" from the President.
Cries of "Erap resign!" and "Patalsikin si Erap!" followed by the singing of "Bayan Ko" rang out constantly at the rally site.
Bayan’s Mariano said the protesters were prepared to block all the roads around Malacañang.
"The public will reclaim power from Mr. Estrada," Mariano said. ‘‘It is the people who will judge him, not the 11 senators."
He said Bayan chapters nationwide would mount boycotts, transport and industrial strikes, mass walkouts and rallies ‘‘until the President is forced to step down."
Protesters coming from as far as Olongapo City were barred from going past a police checkpoint, according to Richard Gordon, former chief of the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority.
Gordon said that of 30 buses each carrying 60-80 protesters, only six made it.
"But we will try again tomorrow." Gordon said. "People from Olongapo will be here every day to join the demands to oust the President."
Fr. Robert Reyes, a convenor of the Kongreso ng Mamamayang Pilipino (Kompil) II, said he hoped that the President would be ousted before Valentine’s Day.
"The Filipinos failed to celebrate Christmas and New Year because of the crisis that Mr. Estrada made us to go through. The crisis was all his doing," Reyes said, adding:
"We hope to extend the Christmas spirit and celebrate it, hopefully on Valentine’s Day, when Erap has resigned."
Starlet Rosanna Roces, one of the rally speakers, denounced Mr. Estrada: "Magnanakaw ka (You are a thief), Erap!"
She said she was proud to say that she made a living the hard way, "unlike Erap who stole the people’s money."
Roces also said the poor should ignore Mr. Estrada’s promises because he was the "biggest liar."
"Get out of Malacañang before I am forced to strip here!" she said, to a delighted roar from the crowd.
Day by day
Yesterday morning, leaders of the United Opposition, Bayan, Kompil II, Kangkong Brigade, Bayan Muna, Akbayan, Resign and other anti-Estrada groups held an emergency meeting to firm up protest plans.
"We will stay here indefinitely. We have yet to finalize our course of action but in the meantime, we will live day by day," said Bayan secretary general Teodoro Casiño.
He also urged depositors of Equitable PCI Bank and Philippine National Bank to make "massive withdrawals" and cancel their credit cards."
"This is to prove that we are serious, even if it means risking our financial circumstances," Casiño said.
Laguna Gov. Joey Lina, president of the Union of Local Authorities of the Philippines and a convenor of the Kangkong Brigade, asked all governors and mayors to speak up against Mr. Estrada, saying "there cannot be local autonomy under the present administration."
In Makati, workers mostly clad in mourning black poured into Ayala shouting "Erap resign!" followed by the singing of "Bayan Ko."
They held up "Erap Guilty" posters and flashed the now-familiar thumbs-down sign at passing motorists.
The workers also expressed extreme displeasure at the 11 senators who voted against the opening of the "Jose Velarde" documents, particularly Aquino-Oreta, John Osmeña, Robert Jaworski and Miriam Defensor-Santiago.
Vivian Yuchengco of the Philippine Stock Exchange said the workers at the bourse and other offices would continue their protest actions "until Estrada steps down."
At the Ninoy Aquino monument at around 6 p.m., January 17, 2001, Paul Aquino and Maur Aquino-Lichauco, brother and sister of Ninoy and Aquino-Oreta, led a small candle-lighting ceremony.
"President Estrada has only one option, which is to resign," said lawyer Gabriel Ingles, the spokesperson of Barug Sugbu, the umbrella group of the anti-Estrada forces in Cebu.
About 100,000 protesters shouted "Booo!" when Ingles explained to the crowd gathered at Cebu City’s Fuente Osmeña Park that Mr. Estrada would not resign and instead called for a snap elections.
Ingles declared that the protest action in Cebu would continue until Mr. Estrada resigns, an announcement that prompted the crowd to shout "Erap resign!" followed by the singing of "Bayan Ko."
Iloilo Gov. Arthur Defensor urged more than 15,000 people holding a rally at the Rotary Amphitheater not to leave the area and to continue to demand the resignation of the President after they learned that he wanted a snap election.
Earlier in Malacañang, Estrada found time to have breakfast with his family as 50,000 protesters gathered on Mendiola to pressure him to step down.
They had marched from the EDSA Shrine and were stopped by riot police in front of the Palace grounds after their 10-kilometer walk.
The anti-Estrada forces are waving their banners high and chanting “Erap Resign!” followed by the singing of "Bayan Ko" as they finally conquer Mendiola.
Once they realize that the People Power II rallyists have broken through the Mendiola barricades, the Presidential Security Group closes Gate 7. No one is allowed to leave the Palace compound.
The People Power II rallyists pray the rosary at the Edsa Shrine. The oath taking of Vice President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo will take place after lunch.
In Mendiola, the People Power II rallyists have dismantled the tents of the pro-Estrada demonstrators. They now call on the Estrada loyalists to join them and some have apparently heeded the call.
An anti-Estrada demonstrator waves a big placard saying “F—k you, Mr. President!”
Supreme Court Chief Justice Hilario Davide Jr. and the ten associate justices have boarded a white van and are now on their way to the Edsa Shrine to swear in Vice President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo as the next President of the Philippines.
Lawyer Mike Arroyo, husband of Vice President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo tells GMA News that they have just received reports that President Estrada has signed the resignation letter given to him by the United Opposition.
Arroyo confirms that President Estrada has resigned. While he declines to name the sources, he says that Executive Secretary Edgardo Angara already has the handwritten resignation letter of Estrada. He says that he has heard that Estrada will go to the US.
Organizers at the Edsa Shrine asks the crowd to sit down as they are about to swear in President Macapagal.
Executive Secretary Edgardo Angara says in a TV interview that there is no need for Joseph Estrada to make a letter of resignation because the Supreme Court (SC) declared the Office of the President vacant. He says the United Opposition had agreed to a compromise of allowing Estrada a five-day transition until Wednesday, after which he will formally step down. Angara says, however, that the SC decision has rendered the agreement moot and academic.
Angara says that it is up to Estrada if he will take advantage of the five-day transition. He says, however, that Estrada is resigned by force of that SC resolution.
Angara says that Estrada was getting ready to face up to his resignation but thought he still has five days. He claims that Estrada is considered resigned but that the resignation will take effect after five days. He says Estrada has no plans to leave the country.
Senate President Aquilino Pimentel Jr. goes onstage at the Edsa Shrine. Chief Justice Hilario Davide Jr. has arrived.
Crowd goes wild as Davide goes onstage.
Organizer at the Edsa Shrine rally asks Mendiola marchers not to push on to Malacañang, saying that Estrada has already given in and will resign.
A chopper with the words “Mabuhay GMA! (Long Live GMA!)” painted in red flies over the Edsa Shrine.
The Crowd at the Edsa Shrine gives incoming President Macapagal a thunderous welcome.
The People Power II rallyists sing the National Anthem.
Manila Archbishop Jaime Cardinal Sin leads the invocation. “The darkness of our mourning has come to an end,” he says.
Sin asks God to bless incoming President Macapagal.
Davide is now administering the oath of office to incoming President Macapagal.
Crowd goes wild when she utters the phrase “President of the Philippines.”
Mrs. Arroyo at 12:20 p.m. January 20, took her oath of office as the 14th President of the Republic of the Philippines, following the effective resignation of Mr. Estrada.
"I, Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, do solemnly swear that I will faithfully and conscientiously fulfill my duties as President of the Philippines," she declared before a cheering crowd of thousands at the Edsa Shrine. The oath was administered to her by Chief Justice Hilario Davide Jr.
Plot
A middle-class Manila neighborhood is home to the Bartolome family. Couple Amanda Bartolome (Vilma Santos) and Julián Bartolome Sr. (Christopher de Leon) are parents to sons Julian "Jules" Bartolome Jr. (Piolo Pascual), Isagani "Gani" Bartolome (Carlos Agassi), Emmanuel "Em" Bartolome (Marvin Agustin), Jason Bartolome (Danilo Barrios) and Benjamin "Bingo" Bartolome (John Wayne Sace).
1965-1970
In 1965, as a young Gani was fighting with his friend while they were playing a game in the street, their mothers came by to stop the fighting and made them stay away from each other. In the streets of Manila, protests take place when the Philippines enters the Vietnam War. Five years later, Philippine president Ferdinand Marcos wins his re-election bid as president. Julián stops Amanda from looking for a job despite Amanda trying to pursue it. At dinner time, Jules and Gani speak about the upcoming Junior-Senior Promenade. At the prom, Gani tries to grope his partner but she accidentally kicks him instead. The Bartolomes get stuck in traffic in the streets on the way home from the event due to a protest with effigy burning taking place near the Legislative Building.
1971
A protest takes place in the University of the Philippines wherein Jules with his best friend Willy (Jhong Hilario) became activists and joined a resistance movement. At the same time, Emmanuel begins writing illegal exposure and other kinds of banned literature. During the protests, the attendees sing the Philippine National Anthem, "Lupang Hinirang", with raised clenched fists and outnumbered the authorities but their efforts to make the authorities leave become futile and they retreat. Julián becomes furious when he discovers their activities, and he angrily explains to Jules and Willy about the consequences of their actions, while also revealing the suspension of the writ of habeas corpus including the enforced disappearance of the student leader Charlie del Rosario.
One one day, Gani reveals his plans to apply for a job in the US Navy to Julian but is overheard by Jules, who admonishes his actions as lack of patriotism for the Philippines. Gani furiously explains to him that working for the US government entitles one to a high salary with numerous benefits. Julián accepts the plan, thus making Gani the family's newest breadwinner. Sometime later, another protest depicts President Ferdinand Marcos acting as a lackey to Uncle Sam, and crucifying a Filipino. Bingo pulls down a flying kite and Amanda discovers that the kite is made out of an activist newspaper. Julián also discovers that Jules is an activist and he sneaks up to his room to check his rebellious pamphlets. He convinces that when Marcos was not yet a president in the past, the government signed a treaty between the United States, and the Philippines has no other choice but to recognize that treaty.
1972
Marcos declares martial law on nationwide television, as well as imposing nighttime curfews in order to round up anyone suspected of being a terrorist or communist to be imprisoned. The change of evens resulted in interrogations, tortures, and deaths. Gani accidentally impregnates his girlfriend Evelyn (Dimples Romana) and her sleeping in Gani's room was discovered by Amanda. Two police cars escort the Bartolomes to Evelyn's house. At the house, Evelyn's father speaks to the Bartolome couple before blackmailing Gani into marrying her.
Days after the wedding, they have an argument for being the Bartolome's figure of shame. Jason shows his mother the report card wherein his grades lowered. But despite that, he convinces that during the first period, there was a high value of time. Jules came home late and confessed to his family that Willy had been tortured to death for staying past curfew. He later reveals his plan to travel to Bicol for an exposure/field trip to join the communist group NPA despite mother's opposition.
1973-1975
Evelyn gives birth to a baby girl wherein she and Gani stay together for a few days. Sometime later, Gani leaves for the United States via Subic Bay after his enlisting at the US Navy while Evelyn returned to her family. Emmanuel plans to Bataan for his research article writing and interview about the Bataan Nuclear Power Plant but Julián furiously opposes as the former is a possible target for roundup due to Martial Law and the presence of soldiers. However, Emmanuel continues his plan and leaves for Bataan the next day while the Bartolome family went to the beach two days later.
A year later, Jules brought a wounded friend home to have a bullet extracted from his leg, as bringing him to a hospital would arouse too much suspicion. A few days later, he began to hangout with Emmanuel but the following day, Jules left the house again realizing that he cannot stay there for long. Bingo celebrates his birthday with a party in the Bartolome household until night. After two months of not returning home, Jules was revealed to have been married to fellow NPA member Mara (Ana Capri) with a baby boy. On one night, the family burns Jules' anti-government pamphlets out of fear of being arrested by authorities outside their house compound, who turn out to be a harmless group of carolers.
1976-1978
A group of soldiers arrive at their house led by Jules' friend, who reveals himself to be an undercover government operative, for the search and arrest order. The next day, Amanda and Bingo release two of their own pet birds to fly away for their freedom, but on that very night, a phone call revealing of Jules' imprisonment startles Emmanuel. In the prison camp, Jules manages to survive torture methods ranging from electrocution and sleeping naked on an ice box in front of an electric fan. By Christmas Eve, Jason returns home late from caroling and he learns that there was no curfew, but he wants to have a date with his girlfriend, Bernadette on the next day. Amanda allows him to have a date with her anytime except Christmas Day.
The next year, Amanda discovers Jason missing, causing her and Julian to inquire of his whereabouts from many police stations. They learn that Jason was imprisoned for possession of marijuana but he was released for a few moments later, only to go missing once more. A friend reveals to Emmanuel about three police officers stabbing a bound young man before disposing of him in a garbage dump. Upon returning home, Emmanuel engaged in a private talk with Julian. They hear loud cries and realize that the young man Jason, causing Amanda to faint. During Jason's funeral, Gani returns from the United States and as he and the Bartolomes mourn, Bingo reveals that Bernadette wanted to introduce Jason to her parents during Christmas Day. Julián explains to Amanda of many deaths during Martial law. Amanda pays a visit to Jason's grave and convinces herself that it would be best for her to live without her own children or family as she thought that her children can die early. She reveals to Julián about her plans for their separation before heading to a stage rehearsal for activists. A few moments later, Bingo informs to his mother that Jules has recently been released, making Amanda abandon her plan. The Bartolomes travel to the prison camp to fetch Jules, whom they witness bidding his fellow inmates a sad farewell.
During the Batasang Pambansa Elections of 1978, a group of people parade on the city street in Manila causing a moderate traffic on the road. The Bartolomes join the activist group called Kilusad to overthrow the Marcos regime wherein Emmanuel leads the attendees in singing the National Anthem.
Epilogue
In 1983, the Bartolome family attend the wake of Ninoy Aquino at the Santo Domingo Church in Quezon City after his assassination. Amanda begins to join a large group of activists at the Post Office Building to overthrow the Marcos regime once and for all. The Marcos regime is peacefully overthrown in 1986 when Corazon Aquino was sworn into office as president.
Protesters continued to throng the Edsa Shrine, with Manila Archbishop Jaime Cardinal Sin exhorting them to stay ‘‘until evil is conquered by good."
Former President Corazon Aquino, widow of the man whose assassination triggered the public outrage that culminated in the 1986 ‘‘People Power" revolt, called for bigger numbers, saying: ‘‘Our prayer is that there will be more people who will gather at Edsa in the coming days."
Speaking before the crowd clustered on the three levels and both lanes of the historic highway fronting the shrine, Sin said the millions of people who valued the truth were more than sufficient to stand up to "only one immoral President and 11 shameless senators."
"Stay here until evil is conquered by good. Stay here until corruption is overcome by integrity. Stay here and pray. Stay here and keep watch," he said in a homily that was interrupted several times by applause and by slogans demanding President Estrada’s resignation.
The mostly black-clad protesters, made up of both organized groups and those who joined ‘‘spontaneously," estimated their number as bigger than the crowd that converged on the shrine for a prayer rally last Nov. 4. By 8:30 p.m. they were estimated to number at least 200,000, with the arrival of delegations from Central Luzon and Southern Tagalog.
Earlier in the day, fresh off a plane from Hong Kong where he had warned of a possible military coup, former President Fidel Ramos walked the 10-kilometer distance from the Ninoy Aquino International Airport to the Edsa Shrine, urging soldiers to join the protests.
A broad alliance of anti-Estrada forces called on the public to support "People Power II" and vowed not to leave Edsa until Mr. Estrada is ousted.
Priests urged the people to bring extra food, drinks and clothes for the long haul.
"They should also bring rain gear and thick clothes for the cold," an organizer said.
Leaders of a newly formed ad hoc committee for the coordinated protest actions expressed optimism that they would soon gather as many as a million people at the site of the 1986 revolt that toppled the Marcos dictatorship.
"We call on all freedom-loving Filipinos, including our fearless prosecutors and senators, to take to the streets and intensify protest actions to oust Estrada and his ruling clique from power," said Rafael Mariano, chair of the Bagong Alyansang Makabayan and of the Kilusang Magbubukid ng Pilipinas.
He said the 11-10 vote of the senator-judges Tuesday night -- which triggered noise barrages and street protests nationwide -- confirmed that the people no longer had to wait for Feb. 12, when the impeachment court is scheduled to hand down its verdict.
Mariano said it was now "very clear" that the court would vote to acquit the President, who declared Tuesday that he intended to complete his term.
Hope
Sin, who also celebrated a Mass at the Edsa Shrine chapel Tuesday night, told yesterday’s crowd: "I have hope because you are here. You are the hope of this nation. So long as you are here, I can keep on hoping. There is only one immoral President and 11 shameless senators.
"There are millions and millions of people who will safeguard the truth and, if necessary, die for the truth."
But while hopeful that street protests would lead to the ouster of the President, thousands wore black as a sign of mourning.
"(Tuesday) night was a night of infamy. Today we wear black to display our anger and frustration over the 11 senators’ blatant disregard for truth and justice," Ruth Cervantes, a convenor of the Estrada Resign Movement (Resign), said in an interview.
"It was a spontaneous reaction. But some were urged by our friends through text messages (Tuesday night) to wear black," said Ariane Alinggayu of the Habitat for Humanity.
Alinggayu and her co-workers said they were proud to wear black to show their disgust.
"What happened that night was very disgusting. We want the truth to come out, but they wouldn’t allow it. It’s very sad," she said.
Even private prosecutor Frank Chavez, a former solicitor general, was wearing a black shirt.
"It was a blatant mockery and gross travesty of justice," said Chavez. "What the 11 senators did was a total repudiation of the impeachment process. They have completely isolated themselves from the people."
Chavez also said the protesters were wearing black not only to press the demand for Mr. Estrada’s resignation but also "to display our anger at the brazen way by which the impeachment proceedings were prostituted."
Disillusion
Sin and the entire presbyterium of the Manila Archdiocese had earlier expressed their disillusion with the impeachment court.
"How can we not be angry when the senators were not pursuing the truth but the acquittal of the President?" he said in his homily.
He added: "With the evidence presented, only the inept and the crazy can believe that he is as innocent as a dove and as pure as a baby.
"The way they voted was a preview of how they would vote on the President’s guilt. They voted not to bring out the truth.
"We are angry at the manipulation of the truth and the manipulation of the poor."
In a statement, Archbishop Orlando Quevedo, president of the Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines, said the 11 senators had allowed narrow rules and traditional politics to influence them.
‘‘Truth has been subverted. Expectedly, they have ignited the fire of people’s indignation and outrage," Quevedo said.
Sin also addressed the "Catholic laymen" in the Cabinet, who, he said, continued to hold on to their posts despite the evidence against Mr. Estrada.
"How can you face God and sleep at night and at the same time support the President? We say to the Cabinet: Resign," he said.
"You should have done this a long time ago. I said this during the campaign . . . If he is elected, it will be a disaster. And (now), you see."
Aquino also appealed to Finance Secretary Jose Pardo to quit.
The cardinal was all praise for the 10 senators who voted for the opening of the second envelope containing crucial documents, and for the prosecutors.
He broke off from his homily to egg the crowd to cheer for Senators Raul Roco, Rene Cayetano and Franklin Drilon.
He exhorted the protesters to lift their anger to the Lord and ask Him to touch Mr. Estrada and the 11 senators.
"All things are possible in God," Sin said.
Rain or shine
The protesters vowed to stay at the Edsa Shrine "rain or shine" until they ‘‘reclaim power" from the President.
Cries of "Erap resign!" and "Patalsikin si Erap!" followed by the singing of "Bayan Ko" rang out constantly at the rally site.
Bayan’s Mariano said the protesters were prepared to block all the roads around Malacañang.
"The public will reclaim power from Mr. Estrada," Mariano said. ‘‘It is the people who will judge him, not the 11 senators."
He said Bayan chapters nationwide would mount boycotts, transport and industrial strikes, mass walkouts and rallies ‘‘until the President is forced to step down."
Protesters coming from as far as Olongapo City were barred from going past a police checkpoint, according to Richard Gordon, former chief of the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority.
Gordon said that of 30 buses each carrying 60-80 protesters, only six made it.
"But we will try again tomorrow." Gordon said. "People from Olongapo will be here every day to join the demands to oust the President."
Fr. Robert Reyes, a convenor of the Kongreso ng Mamamayang Pilipino (Kompil) II, said he hoped that the President would be ousted before Valentine’s Day.
"The Filipinos failed to celebrate Christmas and New Year because of the crisis that Mr. Estrada made us to go through. The crisis was all his doing," Reyes said, adding:
"We hope to extend the Christmas spirit and celebrate it, hopefully on Valentine’s Day, when Erap has resigned."
Starlet Rosanna Roces, one of the rally speakers, denounced Mr. Estrada: "Magnanakaw ka (You are a thief), Erap!"
She said she was proud to say that she made a living the hard way, "unlike Erap who stole the people’s money."
Roces also said the poor should ignore Mr. Estrada’s promises because he was the "biggest liar."
"Get out of Malacañang before I am forced to strip here!" she said, to a delighted roar from the crowd.
Day by day
Yesterday morning, leaders of the United Opposition, Bayan, Kompil II, Kangkong Brigade, Bayan Muna, Akbayan, Resign and other anti-Estrada groups held an emergency meeting to firm up protest plans.
"We will stay here indefinitely. We have yet to finalize our course of action but in the meantime, we will live day by day," said Bayan secretary general Teodoro Casiño.
He also urged depositors of Equitable PCI Bank and Philippine National Bank to make "massive withdrawals" and cancel their credit cards."
"This is to prove that we are serious, even if it means risking our financial circumstances," Casiño said.
Laguna Gov. Joey Lina, president of the Union of Local Authorities of the Philippines and a convenor of the Kangkong Brigade, asked all governors and mayors to speak up against Mr. Estrada, saying "there cannot be local autonomy under the present administration."
In Makati, workers mostly clad in mourning black poured into Ayala shouting "Erap resign!" followed by the singing of "Bayan Ko."
They held up "Erap Guilty" posters and flashed the now-familiar thumbs-down sign at passing motorists.
The workers also expressed extreme displeasure at the 11 senators who voted against the opening of the "Jose Velarde" documents, particularly Aquino-Oreta, John Osmeña, Robert Jaworski and Miriam Defensor-Santiago.
Vivian Yuchengco of the Philippine Stock Exchange said the workers at the bourse and other offices would continue their protest actions "until Estrada steps down."
At the Ninoy Aquino monument at around 6 p.m., January 17, 2001, Paul Aquino and Maur Aquino-Lichauco, brother and sister of Ninoy and Aquino-Oreta, led a small candle-lighting ceremony.
"President Estrada has only one option, which is to resign," said lawyer Gabriel Ingles, the spokesperson of Barug Sugbu, the umbrella group of the anti-Estrada forces in Cebu.
About 100,000 protesters shouted "Booo!" when Ingles explained to the crowd gathered at Cebu City’s Fuente Osmeña Park that Mr. Estrada would not resign and instead called for a snap elections.
Ingles declared that the protest action in Cebu would continue until Mr. Estrada resigns, an announcement that prompted the crowd to shout "Erap resign!" followed by the singing of "Bayan Ko."
Iloilo Gov. Arthur Defensor urged more than 15,000 people holding a rally at the Rotary Amphitheater not to leave the area and to continue to demand the resignation of the President after they learned that he wanted a snap election.
Earlier in Malacañang, Estrada found time to have breakfast with his family as 50,000 protesters gathered on Mendiola to pressure him to step down.
They had marched from the EDSA Shrine and were stopped by riot police in front of the Palace grounds after their 10-kilometer walk.
The anti-Estrada forces are waving their banners high and chanting “Erap Resign!” followed by the singing of "Bayan Ko" as they finally conquer Mendiola.
Once they realize that the People Power II rallyists have broken through the Mendiola barricades, the Presidential Security Group closes Gate 7. No one is allowed to leave the Palace compound.
The People Power II rallyists pray the rosary at the Edsa Shrine. The oath taking of Vice President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo will take place after lunch.
In Mendiola, the People Power II rallyists have dismantled the tents of the pro-Estrada demonstrators. They now call on the Estrada loyalists to join them and some have apparently heeded the call.
An anti-Estrada demonstrator waves a big placard saying “F—k you, Mr. President!”
Supreme Court Chief Justice Hilario Davide Jr. and the ten associate justices have boarded a white van and are now on their way to the Edsa Shrine to swear in Vice President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo as the next President of the Philippines.
Lawyer Mike Arroyo, husband of Vice President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo tells GMA News that they have just received reports that President Estrada has signed the resignation letter given to him by the United Opposition.
Arroyo confirms that President Estrada has resigned. While he declines to name the sources, he says that Executive Secretary Edgardo Angara already has the handwritten resignation letter of Estrada. He says that he has heard that Estrada will go to the US.
Organizers at the Edsa Shrine asks the crowd to sit down as they are about to swear in President Macapagal.
Executive Secretary Edgardo Angara says in a TV interview that there is no need for Joseph Estrada to make a letter of resignation because the Supreme Court (SC) declared the Office of the President vacant. He says the United Opposition had agreed to a compromise of allowing Estrada a five-day transition until Wednesday, after which he will formally step down. Angara says, however, that the SC decision has rendered the agreement moot and academic.
Angara says that it is up to Estrada if he will take advantage of the five-day transition. He says, however, that Estrada is resigned by force of that SC resolution.
Angara says that Estrada was getting ready to face up to his resignation but thought he still has five days. He claims that Estrada is considered resigned but that the resignation will take effect after five days. He says Estrada has no plans to leave the country.
Senate President Aquilino Pimentel Jr. goes onstage at the Edsa Shrine. Chief Justice Hilario Davide Jr. has arrived.
Crowd goes wild as Davide goes onstage.
Organizer at the Edsa Shrine rally asks Mendiola marchers not to push on to Malacañang, saying that Estrada has already given in and will resign.
A chopper with the words “Mabuhay GMA! (Long Live GMA!)” painted in red flies over the Edsa Shrine.
The Crowd at the Edsa Shrine gives incoming President Macapagal a thunderous welcome.
The People Power II rallyists sing the National Anthem.
Manila Archbishop Jaime Cardinal Sin leads the invocation. “The darkness of our mourning has come to an end,” he says.
Sin asks God to bless incoming President Macapagal.
Davide is now administering the oath of office to incoming President Macapagal.
Crowd goes wild when she utters the phrase “President of the Philippines.”
Mrs. Arroyo at 12:20 p.m. January 20, took her oath of office as the 14th President of the Republic of the Philippines, following the effective resignation of Mr. Estrada.
"I, Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, do solemnly swear that I will faithfully and conscientiously fulfill my duties as President of the Philippines," she declared before a cheering crowd of thousands at the Edsa Shrine. The oath was administered to her by Chief Justice Hilario Davide Jr.
Her Excellency President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo is formally introduced to the crowd as the rallyists cheer. President Macapagal is now the 14th President of the Philippines.
The new president, in her inaugural address, acknowledged the efforts and prayers of the heroes of Edsa, citing Manila Archbishop Jaime Cardinal Sin, former presidents Corazon C. Aquino and Fidel V. Ramos, Senate President Aquilino Pimentel and the other senators, as well as the anti-Estrada groups who had gathered at EDSA since January 16 after the Senate court voted to suppress evidence in the impeachment trial of Mr. Estrada.
Senate President Pimentel holds the microphone as President Macapagal begins her speech. Ms Macapagal says she accepts with humility the privilege of serving the Filipino people. She stresses this is “a time to heal, a time to build,” as the Good Book says.
Ms Macapagal says that she would work for unity and reconciliation. Quoting Ninoy Aquino, she says the “Filipino is worth dying for.” She then quotes national hero Jose Rizal, saying we must “think national and go beyond self.”
She says the first of her core beliefs is the elimination of poverty, which dates back to the founding of the Philippine republic. She says the plebeian hero Andres Bonifacio sowed the seeds in the Philippine revolution and that this work remains unfinished. She says the Philippines must go beyond patronage politics.
Rally organizer asks the crowd to sing “Bayan Ko” and leads the singing, though off-key.
Ms Macapagal starts her press conference as President.
Asked what she will do first, Ms Macapagal says that she will “ensure a smooth transition instead of riding roughshod on the institutions they have inherited.” She again stresses the need to begin the healing process.
Ms Macapagal says she will still hold a consultation to determine who her Vice President will be.
A New York Times reporter asks her how she feels about being the new President and what were the terms of Joseph Estrada’s resignation.
“I feel that God has put me in this place,” she says.
She says that negotiations with Estrada broke down so there are no terms. She says she was sworn in as President based on the legal basis provided by Davide.
She says her Finance Secretary will be former Sen. Alberto Romulo, a member of the three-man United Nation negotiating panel.
Ms. Macapagal is asked what actions she will take against Estrada. She says that she is now talking about healing. She says that when it happens, “there won’t be fanfare. It will happen as a matter of fact, a matter of course.”
She says they will let justice take its course. She says that the people will see it when it happens.
“Kasi ako, mas gusto ko ang gumagawa kaysa nangangako (I’d rather act than make promises),” she says.
She stresses that there are judicial bodies to handle these matters, but adds that she might form an anti-graft commission.
Press conference ends.
The people are celebrating at the street party at the Edsa Shrine.
Two trucks loaded with free food and drinks are at the Edsa Shrine.
In Mendiola, GMA News says that pro-Estrada rallyists started throwing rocks at the People Power II demonstrators who were holding their program. The anti-Estrada forces fought back and the crowd beat up the demonstrator who allegedly initiated the rock throwing. According to GMA News, this occurred while President Macapagal was taking her oath of office at the Edsa Shrine.
At the Gate 7 of Malacañang, the Presidential Security Group troops are running toward the direction of Pasig River. It is not clear yet if Joseph Estrada is leaving the Palace on board a barge along the Pasig river.
Estrada says in a cell phone call that he has not yet resigned and will only step down on Wednesday, according to a GMA News reporter.
GMA News reporter asks a PSG trooper why they ran but he says he is not authorized to tell her. He also says he cannot says if the PSG troops went to the river.
Barges cross the river to go from Malacañang Palace to Malacañang Park, where the PSG headquarters is located. GMA News says that Transportation Secretary Vicente Rivera and Environment Secretary Anton Cerilles left the Palace onboard the barge. Another barge is still waiting for people to board.
Capt. Bong Cervantes of the Young Officers Union airs concern of the advance party of President Macapagal that the PSG might resist if they go to the Palace. In a radio interview, he appeals to PSG Commander Col. Rodolfo Diaz to peacefully turn over power.
In a press statement, Joseph Estrada says that while he has doubts on the legality and constitutionality of Ms Macapagal’s proclamation as President, he no longer wishes to be an obstacle. He says that he will leave the Palace, according to the statement read in GMA News.
GMA News reporter says Estrada may have already left the Palace onboard one of the barges. Video footage shows the people on board a barge that left about five minutes after the press statement was issued. Among those on board was Armed Forces of the Philippines Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Jose Calimlim.
GMA News reporter confirms that three minutes ago, Estrada left the Palace on board the barge and will now proceed to his home at Polk Street in Greenhills.
Environment Secretary Anton Cerilles claims in a radio interview that Estrada is still in Malacañang with his family and other Cabinet members. Cerilles hands over the phone to Labor Secretary Bernardo Laguesma and afterwards Health Secretary Alberto Romualdez. They all claim that Estrada is still in the Palace with them.
Cerilles denounces the press statement given to Palace reporters as a lie.
Newsmen enter the Palace for a press conference by Joseph Estrada. Executive Secretary Edgardo Angara reportedly hands out copies of Estrada’s resignation letter.
Former Sen. Rene Saguisag enters the Palace.
Estrada, wearing a beige jacket, has now appeared in the conference hall. He greets his Cabinet secretaries and the media.
A minor commotion ensues as the newsmen jostle each other trying to ask Estrada a question. Estrada does not issue a statement but goes directly to the waiting presidential barge after exiting the presidential residence. He is accompanied by his wife Loi Ejercito and his family, including San Juan Mayor Jinggoy Estrada, daughter Jackie and her husband Beaver Lopez.
Video footage shows Estrada and Loi Ejercito waving at the crowd while on board the presidential barge. Estrada gives a sad half-smile while Loi is beaming as she waves.
Video now shows the arrival of the Estrada contingent at Malacañang park.
In a statement, he said he had "strong and serious doubts about the legality and constitutionality" of Ms. Macapagal’s proclamation as President.
Six years ago, on September 12, 2007, Estrada was found guilty of plunder beyond reasonable doubt by the Sandiganbayan and sentenced to life imprisonment.
On October 22, 2007, Acting Justice Secretary Agnes Devanadera stated that Joseph Estrada is seeking a "full, free, and unconditional pardon" from President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo. Estrada's lawyer Jose Flaminiano wrote Arroyo: "The time has come to end President Estrada's fight for justice and vindication before the courts. Today we filed a withdrawal of his Motion for Reconsideration." Estrada, 70, stressed the "delicate condition" of his mother in asking for pardon.
On October 25, 2007, President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo granted executive clemency to Estrada based on the recommendation by the Department of Justice. Acting Executive Secretary and Press Secretary Ignacio R. Bunye quoted the signed order: "In view hereof in pursuant of the authority conferred upon me by the Constitution, I hereby grant Executive clemency to Joseph Ejercito Estrada, convicted by the Sandiganbayan of plunder and imposed a penalty of reclusion perpetua. He is hereby restored to his civil and political rights." Bunye noted that Estrada committed in his application not to seek public office, and he would be free from his Tanay resthouse on October 26, noon.
On October 26, 2007, after almost seven years of detention, Estrada was finally released after the Sandiganbayan promulgated the resolution.
“I am happy, I’m free again,” Estrada said after signing the release order from the Sandiganbayan. “There is no substitute for freedom.”
At the head of a convoy of police and government officials, Estrada left his Tanay resthouse for his hometown of San Juan.
A few minutes before 8 p.m., Estrada spoke in a mix of Filipino and English in front of the Spanish-era San Juan City Hall to a rousing welcome from supporters.
In his speech, Estrada reiterated that he would no longer seek public office.
“Wala na akong balak pumasok sa maruming larangan ng pulitika (I have no plans of re-entering the dirty field of politics),” he said, adding that he would dedicate his remaining years to serving the Filipino people.
“Now I’m free to pursue my livelihood and scholarship programs,” he said.
Estrada said he might have committed mistakes as a public servant, but that corruption was not one of them.
“Kung nagkamali man ako, di kasama dito ang pagnanakaw sa pondo ng bayan (If I have made mistakes, stealing the country’s money is not one of them),” he said.
Before ending his speech, Estrada again thanked President Arroyo for granting him executive clemency, and urged his supporters to thank her as well.
After his speech, Estrada proceeded to the San Juan Medical Center to visit his ailing mother Mary Ejercito.
“Now that I’m a free man, I would be able to visit her at the hospital without having to ask permission from the Sandiganbayan, and I can now stay and sleep with her in the hospital,” he said.
He can now attend to the needs of his mother since he is no longer in politics, Estrada said.
Orange ribbons, balloons and buntings and a “Welcome Home” streamer decorated the Estrada residence on Polk Street in North Greenhills, San Juan yesterday.
A steady stream of close friends and relatives such as former Cabinet secretaries and immediate family members awaited the arrival of Estrada. Among those eagerly waiting for Estrada was his 17-year-old son by former starlet Laarni Enriquez.
Jake Ejercito told reporters that he was very happy that his father was granted pardon by Mrs. Arroyo.
“I really didn’t know what to expect, kung dadalhin ba sa Munti si papa or whatsoever,” he said.
“First of all, I will tell him that I love him. Congratulate him. After six years of suffering, finally it’s over. I want to do a lot of things with him.”
Jake said he learned about the pardon last night from his mother, who was very happy.
“I’m sure that she’s very, very happy,” he said.
“She was the one who told me about it last night after it was announced in Malacañang. She said, ‘call your Dad, congratulate him.’ I remember she was crying.”
Jake is the second of Estrada’s three children by Enriquez.
He has an elder sister, Jerica, 22, who is studying in London, and a younger brother, Jacob, 11.
At a thanksgiving Mass at the Estrada residence were his wife, former senator Loi Ejercito, daughter Jackie and her husband Beaver, daughter-in-law Precy Vitug-Estrada and her children.
Estrada’s former Cabinet secretaries Ricardo Puno, Jose Pardo, Bienvenido Laguesma, Gregorio Vigilar, Vicente Rivera, Alberto Romualdez and Horacio Morales were also on hand to welcome their former boss.
In a two-page order, Sandiganbayan Presiding Justice Teresita Leonardo De Castro, special division chairwoman, and Associate Justices Diosdado Peralta and Godofredo Legaspi ordered Estrada freed after six and a half years of detention.
Sandiganbayan Sheriff Edgardo Urieta served the court’s order to Philippine National Police chief Director General Avelino Razon Jr., Estrada’s jailer, at around 5 p.m. yesterday.
A copy of Estrada’s pardon was flown by helicopter to the Sandiganbayan on Commonwealth Avenue in Quezon City by Superintendent Petronilo Retirado, PNP security office chief of operations.
The helicopter flew from Camp Capinpin in Tanay, Rizal in front of Estrada’s rest house to the House of Representatives, which is near the Sandiganbayan.
Retirado arrived at the Sandiganbayan’s Sheriff’s Office 4:10 p.m., where Peralta received the pardon document and brought it to the special division, with Retirado and Urieta in tow.
De Castro, Peralta and Legaspi then deliberated before coming out with the order around 5 p.m.
The one-page pardon document, dated Oct. 25, 2007, was signed by President Arroyo, acting Executive Secretary Ignacio Bunye and Estrada.
A letter of Bunye to De Castro was attached to the document.
In the order, De Castro noted the cancellation of a hearing set at 8:30 a.m. on Nov. 7, 2007 for the execution of the judgment of conviction on Estrada.
Instead, she ordered the issuance of a writ of execution for the satisfaction of portions of the judgment not covered by the executive clemency: the total amount of P545,291,000 with interest and income earned, inclusive of the amount of P200 million, deposited in the name and account of the Erap Muslim Youth Foundation; the amount of P189,700,000, inclusive of interests and income earned, deposited in the Jose Velarde account; and the real property consisting of a house and lot dubbed as “Boracay Mansion” located at No. 100 11th Street, New Manila, Quezon City.
A teary-eyed Estrada signed the document accepting the executive clemency in the presence of Interior and Local Government Secretary Ronaldo Puno, former Senate president Ernesto Maceda, nephew Pagsanjan Mayor E.R. Ejercito, defense lawyers Jay Flaminiano and Ed Serapio and Police Security and Protection Office director Chief Superintendent Romy Hilomen, and Interior Assistant Secretary Brian Yamsuan.
Yamsuan said Estrada, wearing a mint green jacket over a green polo shirt, was visibly emotional while reading the two-page pardon.
“They (Estrada and Puno) shook hands afterwards and tightly hugged each other,” he told The STAR.
Puno was also overwhelmed by emotion and cried while his former boss signed the document accepting the presidential pardon, he added.
He also cried upon seeing the two embrace each other like long lost brothers, Yamsuan said.
Puno delivered the pardon to Estrada a day after it was signed by President Arroyo.
On Mrs. Arroyo’s instructions, Puno flew to Estrada’s rest house in Tanay, Rizal on a helicopter from Camp Crame, Quezon City.
Estrada, along with Puno and his group, stayed at the Maranaw Village in the rest house while waiting for the release order from the Sandiganbayan.
While waiting, Estrada left the group and drove the golf cart that he has been using to move around the 16-hectare estate and proceeded to the presidential mausoleum at a hilltop.
Estrada sat at his favorite spot, a granite stone beside the presidential tomb, where he said he spends his prayer time and meditation.
From there, he went to his pond where he has hundreds of koi fish, ducks, geese and a collection of other exotic animals from peacocks to pink flamingo.
The construction of these new structures kept Estrada busy in the last two years of his detention in Tanay until he was finally freed yesterday.
Intermittent rains soaked well-wishers as well as members of the media who were kept outside the wooden gate of the rest house. The media were allowed inside the rest house only after the release order was finally delivered by Urrieta, who took a helicopter from Greenhills to Tanay.
Estrada changed to a red jacket over a pink polo shirt when he emerged before the media for the signing of his release order. Estrada signed the release order in the presence of Puno and Urrieta.
After signing the document, the left-handed Estrada stood up and shook hands, this time smiling and visibly happy to leave the place.
He saluted his security detail at Tanay before he boarded his SUV Lincoln Escalade for the two-hour ride to San Juan City Hall for a scheduled speech before his supporters.
Estrada thanked Mrs. Arroyo for granting him pardon and vowed to support her administration’s anti-poverty programs.
“I thank President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo for granting me full, free and absolute pardon midway through her term,” Estrada said in a statement read by his lawyer Ed Serapio at the gates of his rest house.
Estrada said he is aware of the agonizing times and tough choices that Mrs. Arroyo has had to wade through before deciding to grant him pardon.
“I, too, have gone through such excruciating times before deciding to take on her longstanding peace overtures to the political opposition by withdrawing my motion for the Sandiganbayan to reverse its verdict on the charges against me,” read statement.
“But I believe that history will vindicate not only this executive action but my innocence as well with regard to these charges.”
Estrada said when he was President, he anchored his programs on winning the war against poverty and pursued policies meant for the greater good of the greatest number of people.
“The battle on this front has yet to be won, and I believe I can best continue to repay to our people the blessings that God has so graciously given me by supporting from hereon the programs of Mrs. Arroyo that are intended to attack generational poverty and hunger,” he said.
He wished to spend the rest of his life as “citizen Erap” and to take care of his ailing mother, Estrada said.
