The former leader is to be put on trial next month for alleged massive corruption and faces a possible death penalty. Businesses in the Philippines have also welcomed Mrs Arroyo's tough action. Many of the pro-Estrada supporters who marched to the palace had looted shops as they fled the military onslaught. Analysts said Mrs Arroyo's swift action came at an opportune time, giving a much-needed boost to candidates of her People Power Coalition in the May 14 legislative polls. The polls are the Arroyo Government's first electoral test.
Surveys indicate a close fight.
Analysts said the palace siege had reflected badly on Estrada's coalition because its leaders did not participate in the march on the palace, even though some of them had called for it. South China Morning Post Publishers Ltd. All rights reserved.