More incredible is the fact that the controversial character still retains a high amount of support amongst the population, especially that of the lower classes. Estrada also exerted strong influence on the Senate, which could have dismissed the charges against him. But once the crucial military allies threw in their lot with his opponents, the president was consumed with the reality of his fate. No amount of alcohol could quell the disgracefulness of his exit, or the encompassing air of mistrust around him. People Power in the Philippines seems to have invented a name for itself as an institution.
Democratic fervor seems to have compromised the regard for law.
Herein lies the unfortunate legacy of People s revolution in the Philippines. Curiously, together with Cardinal Sin, she has now spearheaded the downfall of Estrada with indifference for constitutional transition of power, thus legitimizing popular revolution as a solution to political problems. It seems that interests usually govern principles. In short, this precedent of people s power does not augur well for the future of its citizens. To quote one of the student protesters, we ve done it before, we can do it again.