Presidency of Joseph EstradaFrom Wikipedia, the free encyclopediaPresidency of Joseph Ejercito Estrada

13thPresident of the Philippines

In officeJune 30, 1998 January 20, 2001

Vice PresidentGloria Macapagal-Arroyo

Preceded byFidel Ramos

Succeeded byGloria Macapagal-Arroyo

Personal details

BornApril 19, 1937(age78)Tondo,Philippines

Political partyPMP(1991)

Other politicalaffiliationsNacionalista(19691987)Liberal Party(19871991)

Spouse(s)Loi Pimentel

Alma materMapa Institute of Technology

ProfessionActor

ReligionRoman Catholicism

Signature

WebsiteOfficial websiteArchived Office of the President

ThePresidency ofJoseph Ejercito Estradain thePhilippinesspanned for 31 months from June 30, 1998 to January 20, 2001. Estrada reached the pinnacle of his political career when he was electedPresident of the Republicin the May 11, 1998 national elections. With almost 11-million Filipinos writing his name on the ballot, his margin of victory was the biggest ever registered in Philippine electoral history. Speaking before millions gathered at his inaugural address inManila, the newly elected chief executive said his presidency would serve the Filipino masses whose welfare had long been neglected. A line from his speech, "Walang kaibigan, walang kumpare, walang kamag-anak", was a stern warning against anyone who would attempt to undermine his administration with influence-peddling. Determined to bring his pro-poor platform to every facet of the government's operations, he immediately ordered the removal of all sovereign guarantees on contracts for public projects which would require the sovereign Filipino people to assume the financial losses of private companies doing business with the government. Records will show that until January 20, 2001, he did not sign a single government contract with a sovereign guarantee. Committed to cleaning the bureaucracy of undesirable elements, he ordered the immediate relief ofcorrupt officialsin the military and police hierarchy. He ordered a wide-ranging investigation of all government contracts entered into by the previous administration to ensure these were above-board and directly advantageous to the citizenry. He ordered the investigation of suspected big-time tax evaders even if some of these individuals had contributed to his presidential campaign. His pro-poor program of government bore fruit in less than two years, with a significant improvement in the country's peace and order situation. This likewise elicited a proportionate rise in the approval rating of the Philippine National Police. The Estrada administration undertook an aggressive housing program on a national basis, targeting low-cost homes for the poor. Agriculture received greater priority, while the national government likewise took steps to bring down the cost of medicine. Foreign investments grew exponentially, benefiting greatly from the unsullied and esteemed reputation of the best and the brightest chosen to be part of his Cabinet, and even more from his reputation as a strongly nationalistic yet progressive president.The Senate impeachment trial, a constitutional process initiated to determine the truth behind the allegations of corruption hurled by the false witness, ended abruptly in mid-January 2001 when prosecutors staged a walk-out after senators voted against the opening of a document which had no bearing whatsoever on the cases filed before the tribunal. With the second highest official of the land and her husband working secretly with this group and courting the military sector's support, things came to a head on 20 January 2001 with the leave of absence filed by Joseph Estrada and his temporary departure fromMalacaang. Following the Supreme Court's decision upholding the legality of the Macapagal-Arroyo presidency, he was arrested at his San Juan home in the afternoon of April 25, 2001 on the strength of a warrant of arrest issued by the Sandiganbayan for the crime of plunder filed by his political enemies.Contents[hide] 1Overview 2Major issues of presidency 2.1Estrada's speeches 2.2Major acts as President 2.2.1Major treaties 2.3Major legislation signed 3Administration and cabinet 3.1Cabinet (19982001)[6] 3.2Other cabinet-level and high posts 3.3Supreme Court appointments 4Pardons 5Domestic policies 5.1Economy 5.2Masaformat on radio 5.3Saguisag Commission 5.4Agrarian reform 5.5Anti-crime Task Forces 5.6Death penalty 5.7Sovereign guarantees 5.8Banknotes 5.9Charter change 5.10War against the MILF 5.10.1Overview 5.10.2Chronology 6Foreign policies 6.1RP-US Visiting Forces Agreement 6.2Third informal ASEAN summit 7Controversies 7.11998 7.1.1Subic Bay leadership dispute 7.1.2Textbook scam intervention 7.21999 7.2.1The Philippine Daily Inquirer ads pullout 7.2.2The Manila Times controversy 7.2.3BW Resources scandal 7.2.4PCSO funding controversy 7.2.5Midnight Cabinet 7.2.6Estrada mistresses 7.2.7Hot cars scandal 7.32000 7.3.1Building laws violation 7.3.2Juetenggate scandal 7.3.3DacerCorbito double murder case 7.42001 7.4.1Second envelope suppression 8Impeachment trial 8.1Corruption charges 8.2Impeachment proceedings 9EDSA II 9.1Protests 9.2Resignation 10References 11External linksOverview[edit]Estrada was inaugurated on June 30, 1998 in the historical town ofMalolosinBulacanprovince in paying tribute to the cradle of theFirst Philippine Republic. That afternoon the new president delivered his inaugural address at theQuirino GrandstandinLuneta. He assumed office amid theAsian Financial Crisisand with agricultural problems due to poor weather conditions, thereby slowing the economic growth to -0.6% in 1998 from a 5.2% in 1997.[1]The economy recovered by 3.4% in 1999 and 4% in 2000.[2]In 2000 he declared an "all-out-war" against theMoro Islamic Liberation Frontand captured its headquarters and other camps.[3][4]However, allegations of corruption spawned animpeachmenttrial in the Senate, and in 2001 Estrada was ousted from power after the trial was aborted. The unmitigated corruption during his administration would cause him to be charged and convicted for plunder.In his Inaugural Address, Estrada said:One hundred years after Kawit, fifty years after independence, twelve years after EDSA, and seven years after the rejection of foreign bases, it is now the turn of the masses to experience liberation. We stand in the shadow of those who fought to make us free- free from foreign domination, free from domestic tyranny, free from superpower dictation, free from economic backwardness.[5]

Major issues of presidency[edit]Estrada's speeches[edit] Inaugural Address, (30 June 1998) First State of the Nation Address, (27 July 1998) Second State of the Nation Address, (26 July 1999) Third State of the Nation Address, (24 July 2000)Major acts as President[edit]Major treaties[edit] Second RP-US Visiting Forces AgreementMajor legislation signed[edit] Philippine Clean Air Act of 1999 (Republic Act No. 8749) designed to protect and preserve the environment and ensure the sustainable development of its natural resources. Incentives for Regional Headquarters of Foreign Multinationals (Republic Act No. 8756) The measure grants a host of incentives to multinational firms establishing their regional hubs in the country. It also provides a tax- and duty-free operating environment for them, and multiple entry visas to expatriates and their families, as well as a flat income tax rate of 15%. Retail Trade Liberalization Act (Republic Act No. 8762) The bill dismantles 40 years of state protectionism over the country's retail trade industry and opens the sector to big foreign players. With the retail trade liberalization, well-known foreign players like France's Carrefour and Casino Group as well as the U.S.' Wal-Mart and JC Penney are already in the process of negotiating with local partners. New General Banking Act (Republic Act No. 8791) The measure opens up the local banking industry to foreign players after almost 50 years of having it exclusively reserved and protected for Filipino nationals. With the industry's liberalization, at least 10 foreign banks have already established their presence in the Philippines. Electronic Commerce Act of 2000 (Republic Act No. 8792) Outlaws computer hacking and provides opportunities for new businesses emerging from the Internet-driven New Economy. New Securities Act (Republic Act No. 8799) This law liberalizes the securities market by shifting policy from merit regulation to full disclosure. With its strengthened provisions against fraud, the measure is expected to pave the way for the full development of the Philippine equities and securities market.Administration and cabinet[edit]Cabinet (19982001)[6][edit]

OFFICENAMETERM

PresidentJoseph Ejercito EstradaJune 30, 1998 January 20, 2001

Vice-PresidentGloria Macapagal-ArroyoJune 30, 1998 January 20, 2001

Executive SecretaryRonaldo ZamoraJuly 1, 1998 December 31, 2000

Edgardo AngaraJanuary 11, 2001 January 20, 2001

Secretary of Agrarian ReformHoracio Morales, Jr.July 1, 1998 January 20, 2001

Secretary of AgricultureWilliam DarJuly 1, 1998 May 24, 1999

Edgardo AngaraMay 25, 1999 January 11, 2001

Domingo PanganibanJanuary 11, 2001 January 20, 2001

Secretary of Budget and ManagementBenjamin DioknoJuly 1, 1998 January 20, 2001

Secretary of Education, Culture and SportsAndrew GonzalezJuly 1, 1998 January 20, 2001

Secretary of EnergyMario TiaoquiJuly 1, 1998 January 20, 2001

Secretary of Environment and Natural ResourcesAntonio CerillesJuly 1, 1998 January 20, 2001

Secretary of FinanceEdgardo EspirituJuly 1, 1998 December 31, 1999

Jose PardoJanuary 2, 2000 January 20, 2001

Secretary of Foreign AffairsDomingo Siazon, Jr.June 30, 1998 January 20, 2001

Secretary of HealthFelipe Estrella, Jr.June 30, 1998 September 13, 1998

Alberto Romualdez, Jr.September 14, 1998 January 20, 2001

Secretary of the Interiorand Local GovernmentJoseph Ejercito Estrada(in concurrent capacity as President)July 1, 1998 April 12, 1999

Ronaldo PunoApril 12, 1999 January 7, 2000

Alfredo LimJanuary 8, 2000 January 19, 2001

Secretary of JusticeSerafin CuevasJune 30, 1998 February 11, 2000

Artemio TuqueroFebruary 11, 2000 January 20, 2001

Secretary of Labor and EmploymentBienvenido LaguesmaJune 30, 1998 January 20, 2001

Secretary of National DefenseOrlando MercadoJune 30, 1998 January 20, 2001

Secretary of Public Works and HighwaysGregorio VigilarJune 30, 1998 January 20, 2001

Secretary of Science and TechnologyWilliam PadolinaJune 30, 1998 January 29, 1999

Filemino UriarteFebruary 1, 1999 January 1, 2001

Secretary of Social Welfare and DevelopmentGloria Macapagal-ArroyoJuly 1, 1998 October 3, 2000

Dulce SasuinsagOctober 4, 2000 January 20, 2001

Secretary of TourismGemma Cruz-AranetaJuly 1, 1998 January 19, 2001

Secretary of Trade and IndustryJose PardoJuly 1, 1998 1999

Manuel Roxas II1999 January 20, 2001

Secretary of Transportation and CommunicationsVicente Rivera, Jr.July 1, 1998 January 20, 2001

Presidential SpokespersonFernardo BaricanJune 30, 1998 January 20, 2001

Press SecretaryRodolfo ReyesJune 30, 1998 April 12, 2000

Ricardo PunoApril 13, 2000 January 20, 2001

Malacaang Chief of StaffAprodicio LaquianFebruary 2000 March 22, 2000[7]

Head of the Presidential Management StaffLeonora de JesusJune 30, 1998 2000

Macel Fernandez2000 January 20, 2001

Chairpersonof the Commission on Higher EducationAngel AlcalaJune 30, 1998 July 11, 1999

Ester GarciaJuly 12, 1999 January 20, 2001

Director-Generalof the National Economic and Development AuthorityFelipe MedallaJuly 1, 1998 January 20, 2001

Solicitor GeneralRicardo GalvezJune 30, 1998 January 20, 2001

Chairmanof the Metropolitan Manila Development AuthorityJejomar BinayJuly 1, 1998 January 20, 2001

National Security AdviserAlexander AguirreJuly 1, 1998 January 19, 2001

Presidential Adviser on the Peace ProcessManuel YanJune 30, 1998 January 20, 2001

Lead Convenorof the National Anti-Poverty CommissionHoracio Morales, Jr.December 1998 October 2000

Dulce SaguisagOctober 2000 January 20, 2001

Director-Generalof the Philippine National PoliceRoberto Lastimoso1998 1999

Edmundo Larozza1999 November 1999

Panfilo LacsonNovember 1999 January 20, 2001

Chief of Staffof the Armed Forces of the PhilippinesJoselino Nazareno1998 2000

Angelo Reyes2000 January 20, 2001

Other cabinet-level and high posts[edit]Cabinet level: Executive Secretary Ronaldo Zamora (19982000) Edgardo Angara(20002001) Press Secretary Rodolfo Reyes (19981999) Ricardo Puno(19992001) Presidential Spokesman Fernando Barican (19982001) Presidential Chief of Staff Aprodicio Lacquian (19992000) Head of the Presidential Management Staff Leonora de Jesus (19982000) Macel Fernandez (20002001) Metropolitan Manila Development AuthorityChairman Jejomar Binay(19982001)Others: Flagship Programs Robert Aventajado (19982001) Director General, Philippine National Police Gen. Roberto Lastimoso (19981999) Gen. Edmundo L. Larozza, Officer-in-Charge(1999) Gen.Panfilo Lacson(19992001) President Joseph Ejercito Estrada, President (19982001) Vice-President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo, Vice-President (19982001) Some of the Members of the Estrada Administration Ronaldo Zamora, Executive Secretary (19982001) Gloria Macapagal Arroyo, Secretary of Social Welfare and Development (19982000) Orly Mercado, Secretary of National Defense (19982001) Benjamin Diokno, Secretary of Budget and Management (19982001) Mar Roxas, Secretary of Trade and Industry (2000) Alfredo Lim, Secretary of Interior and Local Government (19992001) Edgardo Angara, Secretary of Agriculture (19992001) and Executive Secretary (2001) Leonor Briones, National Treasurer (19982001) Perfecto R. Yasay, Jr., Chairman of the Securities and Exchange Commission (19982000) Rafael Buenaventura, Governor of the Central Bank (19992001) Jejomar Binay, Chairman of the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (19982001) Ramon Mitra, Jr., Chairman of the Philippine National Oil Company (19982000) Panfilo Lacson, Director-General of the Philippine National Police (19992001) Angelo Reyes, Armed Forces Chief of Staff (20002001)Supreme Court appointments[edit]Estrada nominated the following to theSupreme Court of the Philippines: Hilario Davide, Jr. Chief Justice, 1998 (an associate justice since 1991) Bernardo P. Pardo 1998 Arturo B. Buena 1999 Minerva P. Gonzaga-Reyes 1999 Sabino R. De Leon, Jr. 1999Pardons[edit]President Joseph Ejercito Estrada granted pardon to the following: Rodolfo Dominguez Quizon, Jr. (1998) convicted ofarson.[8]Domestic policies[edit]Economy[edit]

President Joseph Ejercito Estrada (7th person from right) during theAPECsummit in 2000.In 1998,Joseph Estradawas elected president. Even with its strong economic team, the Estrada administration failed to capitalize on the gains of the previous administration. His administration was severely criticized forcronyism,incompetence, andcorruption, causing it to lose the confidence offoreign investors. Foreign investors' confidence was further damaged when, in his second year, Estrada was accused of exerting influence in an investigation of a friend's involvement instock market manipulation. Social unrest brought about by numerous bombing threats, actual bombings, kidnappings, and other criminal activities contributed to the economy's troubles. Economic performance was also hurt by climatic disturbance that caused extremes of dry and wet weather.[9]Toward the end of Estrada's administration, the fiscal deficit had doubled to more than P100 billion from a low of P49 billion in 1998.[10]Despite such setbacks, the rate of GNP in 1999 increased to 3.6 percent from 0.1 percent in 1998, and the GDP posted a 3.2 percent growth rate, up from a low of 0.5 percent in 1998. Debt reached P2.1 trillion in 1999. Domestic debt amounted to P986.7 billion while foreign debt stood at US$52.2 billion.[11]Masaformat on radio[edit]During his term, Estrada ordered to theNational Telecommunications Commissionby the adoption ofFilipino language-based radio format known asmasa. Named for his iconMasa(or Masses), all radio stations adopted themasaformat effective since 1998, asDJ'swanted to replace English language-based stations immediately to air OPM songs and requests. After his term in 2001, several FM stations adopted themasaformat nationwide until this day.Saguisag Commission[edit]With the purpose of investigating thealleged anomaliesof theRamos administration, President Joseph Ejercito Estrada created the "Saguisag Commission" headed by former SenatorRene Saguisag.[12]Ramos, however, refused to appear before the commission for he argued that the jurisdiction lies in the court.[12]In the so-called Centennial Expo scam, Mr. Ramos claimed the Senate committee that conducted the probe "never closed the case" because it did not issue any final report. Instead, he rued, former President Estrada created an administrative fact-finding commission headed by former Senator Rene Saguisag. But six former government officials during his administration who were implicated in the Centennial Expo scam were subsequently "exonerated" by the Ombudsman in October 1998. Former Vice President Salvador Laurel, who chaired the Centennial Expo and was among the principal accused in this case, however, died before he could be exonerated, Mr. Ramos rued.[12]In the Smokey Mountain case, he said, he appeared in 2000 before the public hearing of the House committee on good government chaired by then Rep. Ed Lara whose panel cleared the project as valid and legal. Subsequently, he said, the Supreme Court ruled 13-0, with 2 abstentions, in favor of the project. The SC also upheld the legality and constitutionality of the project and dismissed the petition filed against it by Sen.Miriam Defensor Santiago.[12]In the questioned Masinloc power project, he said, the Joint Congressional Oversight Committee looked into the privilege speech of then Sen. Aquilino Pimentel, Jr. on Ramos' alleged influence that this power plant be sold to a consortium connected with formerMalaysian Prime MinisterMahathir Muhammad.[12]Agrarian reform[edit]The Estrada administration widened the coverage of the Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Program (CARP) to the landless peasants in the country side.[13]The latter's administration distributed more than 266,000hectares of land to 175,000 landless farmers, including land owned by the traditional rural elite. (Total of 523,000hectares to 305,000 farmers during his 2nd year as President).[14]On September 1999, he issued Executive Order (EO) 151, also known as Farmer's Trust Fund, which allows the voluntary consolidation of small farm operation into medium and large scale integrated enterprise that can access long-term capital. President Estrada launched the Magkabalikat Para sa Kaunlarang Agraryo or MAGKASAKA. The DAR forged into joint ventures with private investors into agrarian sector to make FBs competitive.[15]In 1999 a huge fund was allocated to agricultural programs.[16]One of which is the "Agrikulturang Maka Masa", through which it achieved an output growth of 6 percent, a record high at the time,[11]thereby lowering theinflationrate from 11 percent in January 1999 to just a little over 3 percent by November of the same year.[11]Anti-crime Task Forces[edit]In 1998, by virtue ofExecutive Order No.8, President Estrada created the Presidential Anti-Organized Crime Task Force (PAOCTF) with the objective of minimizing, if not totally eradicating, car theft and worsening[17]kidnapping cases in the country.[17]With the help of this task force, thePhilippine National Policefor the first time in history achieved a record-high trust rating of +53 percent.[11]Panfilo Lacsonwas its first head. He also created the Philippine Center on Transnational Crime (PCTC) in 1999, with the objective of formulating and implementing a concerted of action of all law enforcement, intelligence and other government agencies for the prevention and control of transnational crime.[18]However in November 2000, during theJuetenggatescandal of President Estrada, high officials of the PAOCTF Cesar Mancao, Michael Ray Aquino, Glen Dumlao, and PAOCTF chiefPanfilo Lacson- were implicated in the murder ofpublicistSalvador Dacerand his driver Emmanuel Corbito at theCaviteprovince.[17]Dacer at that time was accused to be behind a black propaganda against President Estrada[17] a chargeDacerdenied.[17]Death penalty[edit]

Estrada administering the oath toFlorentino Floro.Thedeath penaltylaw in thePhilippineswas reinforced during the incumbency of Estrada's predecessor,Fidel Ramos. This law provided the use of the electric chair until thegas chamber(method chosen by government to replace electrocution) could be installed. However, the electric chair was destroyed some time prior due to a typhoon, leaving only a blackened scorch mark. Some sources have said it had burnt out the last time it had been used.However, the first execution by injection took place under Estrada's administration. On February 5, 1999, Leo Echegaray, a house painter, was executed for repeatedly raping his stepdaughter. He was the first convict to be executed since the re-imposition of death penalty in 1995.[19]Hisexecutionsparked once again a heated debate between the anti and the pro-death penalty forces in the Philippines with a huge majority of people calling for the execution of Echegaray. That there was a strong clamor for the imposition of the death penalty should be viewed from the point of view of a citizen who is desperately seeking ways to stop criminality.The Estradaadministrationpeddled the death penalty as the antidote tocrime. The reasoning was that if the criminals will be afraid to commit crimes if they see that thegovernmentis determined to execute them.[19]The opposition maintained that the death penalty is not a deterrent and that there have been studies already debunking the deterrence theory. Legislators and politicians refused to heed the recommendation of the Supreme Court for Congress to review the death penalty riding on the popularity of the pro-death penalty sentiment.Six years after its re imposition, more than 1,200 individuals have been sentenced todeathand sevenconvictshave been executed throughlethal injection. Yet today, there are no signs that criminality has gone down.From February 6, 1999, a day after Leo Echegaray was executed, to May 31, 1999 two leadingnewspapersreported a total of 163 crimes which could be punishable by death penalty. But perhaps the best indicator that this law is not a deterrent to criminality is the ever-increasing number of death convicts.[19]From 1994 to 1995 the number of persons on death row increased from 12 to 104. From 1995 to 1996 it increased to 182. In 1997 the total death convicts was at 520 and in 1998 the inmates in death row was at 781. As of November 1999 there are a total of 956 death convicts at the National Bilibid Prisons and at the Correctional Institute forWomen.As of December 31, 1999, based on the statistics compiled by theEpiscopalCommission on Prisoner Welfare of theCatholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines, there were a total of 936 convicts interned at the National Bilibid Prisons and another 23 detained at the Correctional Institute for Women. Of these figures, six areminorsand 12 areforeigners.Because the Philippines is predominantlyCatholic, Estrada called a moratorium in 2000 to honor the bimillenial anniversary of Jesus' birth. Executions were resumed a year later.[19]Sovereign guarantees[edit]President Estrada immediately ordered the removal of allsovereign guaranteeson contracts for public projects which would require the sovereign Filipino people to assume the financial losses of private companies doing business with the government. Records will show that until January 20, 2001, he did not sign a single government contract with a sovereign guarantee.[20]Banknotes[edit]During the Estrada Administration, the practice in use since the Commonwealth, of reproducing the signature of thePresident of the Philippinesover the legend "President of the Philippines" was abandoned in favor of explicitly stating the president's name.Charter change[edit]Main article:Philippines charter changeUnder President Joseph Ejercito Estrada, there was a similar attempt to change the 1987 constitution. The process is termed as CONCORD or Constitutional Correction for Development. Unlike Charter change under Ramos and Arroyo the CONCORD proposal, according to its proponents, would only amend the 'restrictive' economic provisions of the constitution that is considered as impeding the entry of more foreign investments in the Philippines.There were once again objections from opposition politicians, religious sects and left wing organizations based on diverse arguments such as national patrimony and the proposed constitutional changes would be self-serving. Like his predecessor, Estrada's government was accused of pushing Charter change for their own vested interests.War against the MILF[edit]Overview[edit]

A MILF soldier trains with anM60 machine gun.During the Ramos administration a cessation of hostilities agreement was signed between the Philippine Government and theMoro Islamic Liberation Front(MILF) in July 1997. This was continued by a series of peace talks and negotiations in Estrada administration.[4]However theMoro Islamic Liberation Front(MILF), an Islamic group formed in 1977, seeks to be an independent Islamic State from the Philippines, despite the agreements, a sequence of terrorist attacks with the Philippine military and the civilians still continued.[4]Such of those attack are 277 violations committed, kidnapping a foreign priest, namely Father Luciano Benedetti, the occupying and setting on fire of the municipal hall of Talayan, Maguindanao; the takeover of the Kauswagan Municipal Hall; the bombing of the Lady of Mediatrix boat at Ozamiz City; and the takeover of the Narciso Ramos Highway. By doing so, they inflicted severe damage on the country's image abroad, and scared much-needed investments away. In addition to this, the Philippine government learned that the MILF has links withAl-Qaeda.[21]Because of this, on March 21, 2000, President Joseph Ejercito Estrada declared an "all-out-war" against the MILF. During the war theCatholic Bishops' Conference of the Philippines(CBCP) asked Estrada to have acease-firewith MILF, but Estrada opposed the idea arguing that acease-firewould cause more terrorist attacks. For the next three months of the war, Camp Abubakar, headquarters of the MILF, fell along with other 13 major camps and 43 minor camps, and then all of which became under controlled by the government. The MILF leader Hashim Salamat fled the country and went toMalaysia. The MILF later declared aJihadon the government. On July 10 of the same year, the President went to Minadanao and raised the Philippine flag symbolizing victory. After the war the President said, "... will speed up government efforts to bring genuine and lasting peace and development in Mindanao". In the middle of July the president ordered the military to arrest top MILF leaders.[22]In hisstate of the nation address, the President highlighted his vision for Mindanao: The first is to restore and maintain peace in Mindanaobecause without peace, there can be no development. The second is to develop Mindanaobecause without development, there can be no peace. The third is to continue seeking peace talks with the MILF within the framework of the Constitutionbecause a peace agreed upon in good faith is preferable to a peace enforced by force of arms. And the fourth is to continue with the implementation of the peace agreement between the government and the Moro National Liberation Front, or MNLFbecause that is our commitment to our countrymen and to the international community.In addition to this the president said his administration can move with more speed in transforming Mindanao into a progressive economic center.[22]High on the list of priorities was the plight of MILF guerrillas who were tired of fighting and had no camps left to report to. On October 5, 2000 the first massive surrender of 669 MILF mujahideen led by the renegade vice mayor of Marugong, Lanao del Sur Malupandi Cosandi Sarip and seven other battalion commanders, surrendered to President Joseph Ejercito Estrada at the 4th ID headquarters in Camp Edilberto Evangelista, Bgy. Patag, Cagayan de Oro City. They were followed shortly by a second batch of 855 surrenderees led by MILF Commander Sayben Ampaso on Dec. 29, 2000.[23]However, the war with the MILF was severely criticized by foreign and media observers. In fact Agriculture Secretary Edgardo Angara bridled at the high cost of Mindanao specifically the diversion of resources from military operations that eat away from the agriculture modernization program. Angara was quoted as saying "What General Reyes asks, he gets". Moreover the fighting in Mindanao even destroyed more than P135 million worth of crops and 12,000hectares of rice and corn fields.[24]Chronology[edit]On March 15, a combat patrol of the Phil. Army's 26th Infantry Battalion stumbled upon MILF guerrillas in Bgy. Inudaran, Lanao del Norte, killing two of the rebels. The following day, 700 rebels of the MILF 303rd Brigade led byAbdullah Macapaar, alias Commander Bravo, swooped down on nine Army detachments in Linamon, Bacolod, Kauswagan and Maigo towns.On March 17, the rebels occupied the Kauwagan town hall, taking more than 400 residents hostage.The Phil. Army's 4th Infantry "Diamond" Division under the command of Brig. Gen. Roy Cimatu (now Phil. Ambassador to the Middle East) immediately launched a counterattack.Cimatu mobilized Task Force Inudaran from the Army 402nd Infantry Brigade and the 1st Marine Brigade under Brig. Gen. Emmanuel Teodosio which recaptured Kauswagan on March 18. The task force also cleared the Iligan-Dipolog highway where rebels had set up several roadblocks, and set up covering forces to protect vulnerable town centers while far-flung detachments were forced to hold their own against the enemy attacks.On March 21, 2000, then Philippine President Joseph Ejercito Estrada personally visited Kauswagan and declared an "all-out war" against the MILF. Estrada tasked Cimatu to carry out the offensive against the MILF in the Lanao area.From March 16 to June 12, 2000, the 4th Division captured 15 major MILF camps, 49 satellite camps, a training base and control tower at a cost of 38 soldiers killed and 196 wounded. MILF casualties totaled 589 killed and 916 wounded.Cimatu outlined five major operations against the enemy. The first of these was Oplan SOVEREIGN which called for Task Force Diamond III under Col. Felipe Berroya to attack camps and staging areas of the MILF 303rd Brigade near the highway."I did not want the MILF to have time to regroup themselves", Cimatu said. "Time was very essential."Marines overran the MILF camp in Bgy. Inudaran on March 19 and Camp John Mack, headquarters of the MILF 303rd Brigade at Bgy. Delabayen, Kauswagan on March 20.The following day, Task Force Diamond III captured Camp Bilal, the largest MILF camp in Lanao del Norte, located in the municipality of Munai.Meantime, the Army's 402nd Brigade under Col. Samuel Bagasin successfully cleared Bgy. Pacalundo after a day of fierce fighting. Apo Hill, the major MILF communications center in the outskirts of Baloi, finally fell to Task Force Diamond III after a month of heavy air and artillery attack on April 26.Following the success of Oplan SOVEREIGN, Cimatu next moved on to Operation FREEWAY designed to clear the Narciso Ramos Highway of rebels. The 1st Marine Brigade moved on to Pualas, Lanao del Sur while Task Force Diamond moved up to Marawi city. In a classic pincer movement, Task Force Diamond was ordered to clear the hilly portions of the highway, the 1st Marine Brigade the immediate vicinity of the highway while the 6th Infantry Division moved up from the opposite direction in Matanog town.As the northern end of the pincer closed in, the Army's 302nd Infantry Brigade under Col. Allan Cabalquinto arrived on May 10 to secure the rear areas cleared by Task Force Diamond. On May 15, the Narciso Ramos highway was finally cleared of MILF rebels, in spite of stiff resistance encountered by the 6th Division from rebels entrenched in bunkers and trenches along the highway.Next on the schedule was Operation SUPREME, aimed at capturing Camp Bushra in Butig, Lanao del Sur, the second largest camp and training center of the MILF. It is also the home of the Lanao Area Command headquarters under MILF Vice Chair Aleem Abdul Azziz Mimbantas and headquarters of the Bangsamoro Islamic Armed Forces 3rd Field Division.Task Force Diamond initially made a feint against MILF camps in Marogong, then moved right abreast of the 1st Marine Brigade which had moved overland from Balabagan. The 302nd Infantry Brigade and the newly arrived 802nd Infantry Brigade under Col. Nagamora Lomodag followed the two attacking brigades. On May 28, Camp Bushra finally fell to the combined air-artillery and infantry attacks of the four brigades.This set the stage for Operation SWEEPER, aimed at reducing the MILF sphere of influence in Lanao del Sur, particularly in the Basak area around the eastern portion of Lake Lanao.While the 1st Marine Brigade secured Camp Bushra and re-established government control in Butig, Cimatu ordered Task Force Diamond, the 302nd and 802nd Brigades to clear the municipality of Masiu and eastern side of Lake Lanao. This phase of the operation successfully defeated the rebels capability to wage in sustained a low-intensity conventional warfare in Northern and Central Mindanao.Up next was Operation SUMMIT, which aimed to destroy all MILF camps north and west of Camp Abubakar. The 1st Marine Brigade and 302nd Infantry Brigade launched the attack on Camp Abubakar from the north while the 6th Infantry Division attacked from the south and west, with Task Force Diamond in reserve.On July 12, 2000, the late MILF chairman Salamat Hashim called for a jihad against all government forces and installation but few of the Bangsamoro heeded his call. As the rebels forces broke up into smaller, disorganized units, MILF guerrillas went on a rampage against helpless civilians, killing 21 farmers in Bgy. Sumugot, Bumbaran, Lanao del Sur on July 16, 2001 and another 13 workers of the Maranao Plantation, Inc. in Matling, less than a week later.With the fall of Camp Abubakar, the conventional warfare against the MILF came to an end and the process of reconstructing and rehabilitating the war-torn areas began.High on the list of priorities was the plight of MILF guerrillas who were tired of fighting and had no camps left to report to. On October 5, 2000 the first massive surrender of 669 MILF mujahideen led by the renegade vice mayor of Marugong, Lanao del Sur Malupandi Cosandi Sarip and seven other battalion commanders, surrendered to former President Joseph Ejercito Estrada at the 4th ID headquarters in Camp Edilberto Evangelista, Bgy. Patag, Cagayan de Oro city.They were followed shortly by a second batch of 855 surrenderees led by MILF Commander Sayben Ampaso on Dec. 29, 2000.The latest and biggest batch of surrenderees formally surrendered to President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo in Tamparan, Lanao del Sur on March 14, 2001, one day to the date from the start of the Mindanao war last March 15, 2000 in Kauswagan, Lanao del Norte.The 931 surrenderees were led by Macabagol Paudak, brigade commander of the MILF Striking Force, 308th MILF Brigade, who also formally turned over some 506 firearms, plus 20 RPGs, three .50-cal. machineguns, three 60mm mortars and two pump boats.Foreign policies[edit]

President Joseph Ejercito Estrada with U.S. PresidentBill Clintonat theoval office.

President Joseph Ejercito Estrada with Russian PresidentVladimir Putin.The Estrada administration upheld the foreign policy thrusts of the Ramos administration, focusing on national security, economic diplomacy, assistance to nationals, and image-building. The Philippines continued to be at the forefront of the regional and multilateral arena. It successfully hosted the ASEAN Ministerial Meeting in July 1998 and undertook confidence-building measures with China overSouth China Seaissue through a meeting in March 1999.[25]President Estrada strengthened bilateral ties with neighboring countries with visits toVietnam,Thailand,Malaysia,Singapore,Hong Kong, Japan, andSouth Korea.[26]The country also sent a delegation of 108 observers to the Indonesian parliamentary elections, and engaged in cooperative activities in the areas of security, defense, combating transnational crimes, economy, culture, and the protection of OFWs and Filipinos abroad.RP-US Visiting Forces Agreement[edit]Main article:RPUS Visiting Forces AgreementOn 1999 a Visiting Forces Agreement with the United States, which was ratified in the Senate.[27]The first Visiting Forces Agreement was actually signed under President Ramos in 1998, and the second was subsequently signed under President Estrada. The two agreements came to effect a year later. The primary effect of the Agreement is to require the U.S. government (1) to notify RP authorities when it becomes aware of the apprehension, arrest or detention of any RP personnel visiting the U.S. and (2) when so requested by the RP government, to ask the appropriate authorities to waive jurisdiction in favor of RP, except cases of special interest to the U.S. departments ofStateorDefense.[28][VIII 1](Waiving of jurisdiction in the U.S. is complicated by United States being a confederation of states in which each individual state has its own judicial system, and theU.S. Federal Governmentnot being in a position to simply order aStateto waive jurisdiction).The Agreement contains variousprocedural safeguardswhich amongst other things establish the right todue processand proscribedouble jeopardy[28][VIII 26]. The agreement also, among other provisions, exempts RP personnel from visa formalities and guarantees expedited entry and exit processing[28][IV]; requires the U.S. to accept RP driving licenses[28][V]; allows RP personnel to carry arms at U.S. military installations while on duty[28][VI]; provides personal tax exemptions and import/export duty exclusions for RP personnel[28][X, XI]; requires the U.S. to provide health care to RP personnel[28][XIV]; and exempts RP vehicles, vessels, and aircraft from landing or ports fees, navigation or overflight charges, road tolls or any other charges for the use of U.S. military installations[28][XV].Third informal ASEAN summit[edit]President Estrada hosted the third InformalASEANsummit at the Philippine International Convention Center (PICC) from November 2428, 1999. The Chief Executive met with the leaders of the nine Asean member-countries and three dialogue partners of the regional grouping, namely China, Japan and the Republic of Korea. The 10 Asean member-countries are Brunei Darussalam, Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand, the Philippines, Myanmar, Cambodia, Laos, and Vietnam. The Philippines is the third Asean country to host the Asean Informal Summit. The first informal summit was held in Jakarta on Nov. 30, 1996 while the second was held in Kuala Lumpur on December 1516, 1997. Myanmar, which joined the Asean only in 1997, was supposed to host the Third Informal Summit but it begged of. Following the alphabetical order, the Philippines was next in line to host the informal summit.[29]The leaders of the 10-member Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and their three dialogue partners concluded their informal summit on Sunday, Nov. 28, vowing to further broaden East Asia cooperation in the 21st century to improve the quality of life of peoples in the region.[29]A joint statement issued after the 3rd Asean Informal Summit and separate top-level meetings with the leaders of China, Japan and Korea expressed the resolve of the heads of states and governments of Asean and its dialogue partners to work toward the attainment of peace and stability in Asia and the Pacific.[29]According to the joint statement, the leaders also voiced "satisfaction with the rapidly developing relations" among their countries that is expected to pave the way to greater East Asia cooperation.The Asean countries that participated in the summit were Brunei Darussalam, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam.Noting the bright prospects for enhanced interaction and closer linkages in East Asia, the leaders said the growing interaction has helped increase opportunities for cooperation and collaboration among their countries.[29]Closer linkages in this part of Asia, they pointed out, have strengthened the promotion of peace, stability and prosperity in the region.[29]"Mindful of the challenges and opportunities in the new millennium, as well as the growing regional interdependence in the age of globalization and information, they agreed to promote dialogue and to deepen and consolidate collective efforts with a view to advancing mutual understanding, trust, good neighborliness and friendly relations, peace, stability and prosperity in East Asia and the world", the joint statement said.[29]They likewise underlined their commitment to conduct their mutual relations under the principles of the United Nations Charter, the Five Principles of Peaceful Co-existence, the Treaty of Amity and Cooperation in Southeast Asia, and the universally recognized principles of international law.[29]The leaders further underscored their commitment to build on existing cooperative processes in the economic, social and political fields.[29]On economic cooperation, the leaders of the Asean countries, China, Japan and South Korea agreed to accelerate trade, investments, technology transfer, cooperation in information technology and promotion of industrial and agricultural cooperation, and the encourage development of growth areas in East Asia, including the Mekong River Basin.[29]On monetary and financial cooperation, they agreed to strengthen policy on financial, monetary and fiscal issues, including the cooperation mechanism for finance and central banking system.In the political-security area, they agreed to continue dialogue, coordination, and cooperation to increase mutual understanding and trust, towards forging lasting peace and stability in East Asia.[29]The leaders agreed to strengthen cooperation in addressing common concerns in the area of transnational issues in the region.[29]In other fields, the leaders also agreed:[29] to intensify coordination and cooperation in various international and regional forums, including the United Nations, World Trade Organization and Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation, as well as in regional and international financial institutions. to strengthen regional cooperation in projecting an Asian point of view to the rest of the world and in intensifying people-to-people contacts, to strengthen social and human resources to sustain growth in East Asia by alleviating economic and social disparities within and among East Asian countries. to support Asean efforts in the implementation of the Hanoi Plan of Action towards advancing economic and sustainable development.[29]Controversies[edit]1998[edit]Subic Bay leadership dispute[edit]After winning the1998 presidential electionson May of that year, newly elected President Joseph Ejercito Estrada issued Administrative Order No. 1, which ordered the removalRichard Gordonas Chairman of theSubic Bay Metropolitan Authorityor SBMA.[30]Estrada appointed Felicito Payumo, Gordon's critic and congressman of Bataan as new chairman. Gordon refused to step down, stating that his re-appointment from the Ramos administration gave him civil service protection.[31]The removal process was not easy. Hundreds of volunteers and paid people barricated the gates of SBMA and Gordon locked himself inside the SBMA Administrative Office Building 229. After this, he was dubbed a dictator because of the fact that he rebelled against an executive order. The issue sparked the interest local and foreign press known as theShowdown at Subic.Gordon filed for a temporary restraining order before the local court. The local court of Olongapo granted Gordon's request but Payumo's party filed an appeal before the Court of Appeals (CA). The CA reversed the local court's ruling and it was affirmed by the Supreme Court.[31]With the Supreme Court decision, Gordon called Payumo and turned over the reins of SBMA at the Subic Bay Yacht Club two months later on 3 September 1998. Together with the Subic volunteers, they cleaned up the facility.Textbook scam intervention[edit]In 1998, Estrada allegedly appointed a cousin, Cecilia de Castro, as presidential assistant. The President denied knowing her in the wake of the textbook scam in 1998. The President later intervened in the investigation of the said scam. Another is the appointment of brother-in-law, Captain Rufino F. Pimentel, as PAGCOR director. Also a brother-in-law, Raul de Guzman, was appointed member of the Board of Regents of the University of the Philippines. De Guzman's son was also appointed as presidential consultant on environment and water.[32]1999[edit]The Philippine Daily Inquirer ads pullout[edit]Estrada criticized thePhilippine Daily Inquirer, the nation's most popular broadsheet newspaper[citation needed], for "bias, malice and fabrication" against him.[33]In 1999, several government organizations, pro-Estrada businesses, and movie producers simultaneously pulled their advertisements in theInquirer.[33][34]The presidential palace was widely implicated in the advertising boycott, prompting sharp criticism from internationalpress freedomwatchdogs.[34][35]The Manila Times controversy[edit]Estrada launched a libel suit against the country's oldest newspaper theManila Timesover a story that alleged corruption in the awarding of a public works project. After a personal apology from an owner was published, the libel suit was dropped.[34][35]Within three months theManila Timeswas sold to a "housing magnate with no previous newspaper experience"[34]and was quickly shut down.[36]BW Resources scandal[edit]BW Resources a small gaming company listed on the Philippine Stock Exchange and linked to people close to Estrada experienced "a meteoric rise"[37]in its stock price due to suspected stock price manipulation.[37]The ensuing investigation led only to further confusion when the head of the compliance and surveillance group of the Philippine Stock Exchange (PSE) and his entire staff resigned[38][39]saying "I believe I can no longer effectively do my job."[38]The events created a negative impression. "The BW controversy undermined foreign investor confidence in the stock market"[39]and "also contributed to a major loss of confidence in the Philippines among foreign and local investors on concerns that cronyism may have played a part."[38]PCSO funding controversy[edit]The Philippine Center for Investigative Journalism has reported that there are 66 corporate records wherein President Estrada, his wife, mistresses and children are listed as incorporators or board members. Thirty-one of these companies were set up during Estrada's vice-presidential tenure and one when he assumed the presidency. Based on the 1998 and 1999 financial statements, 14 of the 66 companies have assets of over P600 million.The First Lady, Mrs. Loi Ejercito, registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission on 15 October 1998 her private foundationthe Partnership for the Poor Foundation, Inc. which provides relief and livelihood to the poor. A few months after its incorporation, the foundation received P100 million from the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office as donation. The donation far exceeded the PCSO's combined donation of P65 million to regular beneficiaries like orphanages and hospitals. The complainants consider this a conflict-of-interest. The donation of government funds to the private foundation of the First Lady was also found to have been delivered to their legal residence in San Juan.[32]Midnight Cabinet[edit]Estrada was reported by his Chief of Staff Aprodicio Laquian to have allegedly spent long hours drinking with shady characters as well as "midnight drinking sessions" with some of his cabinet members during meetings.[40]Members of the so-called midnight cabinet were:[41] Luis 'Chavit' Singson Governor of Ilocos Sur Luis 'Baby' Asistio Representative of Caloocan City Dante Tan Head of the BW Resources Corp. Ramon Lee A close associate of Dante Tan and an Estrada election contributor Lucio Co The goateed owner of PureGold duty-free stores, who was recently accused of being a big-time smuggler Jaime Dichavez A fiberglass manufacturer and real estate developer who was recently involved in the corporate coup at Belle Corporation, operator of the controversial jai-alai games William Gatchalian Presidential adviser on overseas Filipinos Eusebio Tanco Acquired the Tiwi-Makiling-Banahaw geothermal power plant from the National Power Corporation. Tanco is the brother-in-law of one of the country's biggest coconut millers, Douglas Lu Ym Jacinto "Jack" Ng Multimillionaire, owner of Republic Biscuit Corp. or Rebisco and of some hefty real estate Mark Jimenez a shadowy businessman wanted for illegal campaign contributions in the U.S. Jimenez is reportedly a mean singer at the karaoke and is an occasional "good time" associate of EstradaEstrada mistresses[edit]During President Estrada's two-and-a-half year in office, the media exposed that he had many affairs with other women.[42]During the juetenggate scandal, Estrada's critics claimed that Estrada's mistresses received financial benefits from the President. The following are Estrada's mistresses:[43] Guia Gomez Laarni Enriquez Joy Melendez Rowena Lopez Peachy OsorioHot cars scandal[edit]Rep.Magtanggol Gunigundo II(Valenzuela) exposes the assignment of Pres. Estrada of some seized luxury vehicles and SUVs to his Cabinet Secretaries and favored political allies through an obscure office "Presidential Retrieval Task Force."[44]Initially Pres. Estrada resist his critics of the call to return the "hot cars" to theBureau of Customs, and challenged them to file a case against him.[45]But, by November, the President backs down from his earlier decision and instructs the Customs to dispose the vehicles through an auction.[46]2000[edit]Building laws violation[edit]President Estrada and his family reportedly violated many construction and building laws in their real estate firms.[32]Juetenggate scandal[edit]Singson is known to have Estrada's fall, when in October 2000 he alleged he gave PresidentJoseph EstradaPhp400 million as payoff from illegal gambling profits. On October 16, 2000, he accused the Estrada, as the "lord of all jueteng lords" for receiving 5 million pesos protection money from jueteng every month during his term of presidency.DacerCorbito double murder case[edit]Salvador "Bubby" Dacer, publicist in the Philippines, and his driver, Emmanuel Corbito, were abducted inMakati, the business district ofManila. They were later killed, and their vehicle dumped. In 2001, a number of arrests were made.The ultimate reasons for Dacer's murder remain a subject of debate. Fidel Ramos has publicly accused his successor, Joseph Estrada, of giving the original order Estrada was mired in acorruptionscandal at the time, and according to some reports, Estrada believed Dacer was helping Ramos destabilize his rule.2001[edit]Second envelope suppression[edit]On January 17, 2001, theimpeachmenttrialof President Estrada moved to the investigation of an envelope containing crucialevidencethat would allegedly prove acts ofpolitical corruptionby Estrada.Senatorsallied with Estrada moved to block the evidence. The conflict between the senator-judges, and theprosecutionbecame deeper, but then Senate Majority Floor Leader Francisco Tatad requested to the Impeachment court to make a vote for opening the second envelope. The vote resulted in 10 senators in favor of examining the evidence, and 11 senators in favor of suppressing it. After the vote, Sen.Aquilino Pimentel, Jr.resigned as Senate President and walked out of the impeachment proceedings together with the 9 opposition Senators and 11 prosecutors in the Estrada impeachment trial. The 11 administration senators who voted YES to block the opening of the second envelope remained in Senate Session Hall together with the members of the defense. They were chanted with "JOE'S COHORTS" where their surnames were arranged.Impeachment trial[edit]Corruption charges[edit]

President Estrada in 2000.The Estrada presidency was soon dogged by charges of plunder and corruption. He was reported by his Chief of Staff Aprodicio Laquian to have allegedly spent long hours drinking with shady characters as well as "midnight drinking sessions" with some of his cabinet members during meetings.[40]In October 2000, an acknowledged gambling racketeer,Luis "Chavit" Singson,governorof the province ofIlocos Sur, alleged that he had personally given Estrada the sum of 400 millionpesos($8,255,933) as payoff from illegal gambling profits, as well as 180 million pesos ($3,715,170) from the government price subsidy for the tobacco farmers' marketing cooperative.Impeachment proceedings[edit]Singson's allegation caused an uproar across the nation, which culminated in Estrada'simpeachmentby theHouse of Representativeson November 13, 2000 which did not succeed. The articles of impeachment were then transmitted to the Senate and an impeachment court was formed, withChief JusticeHilario Davide, Jr.as presiding officer.Major television networks pre-empted their afternoon schedules to bring full coverage of the Impeachment Trial. There were three sets of cameras in the Impeachment Court (normally the Senate Chamber): one fromABS-CBN, one from theGMA Network, and one fromNBN(Then, it was PTV, or the People's Television Network. (used as a pool camera).During the trial, the prosecution (composed of congressmen and private prosecutors) presented witnesses and evidence to the impeachment court regarding Estrada's involvement in an illegal numbers game, also known asjueteng, and his maintenance of secret bank accounts. However, the president's legal team (composed of a former chief justice, former congressman, former solicitor-general and other lawyers) denied such allegations including his ownership of an account under the name Jose Velarde. However in February 2001, at the initiative of Senate PresidentAquilino Pimentel, Jr., the second envelope was opened before the local and foreign media and it contained the document that stated thatJaime Dichavezand not Estrada owned the "Jose Velarde Account".[47][48]Ilocos SurGovernor Luis "Chavit" Singson was one of the witnesses who testified against President Estrada. The President and the governor of Ilocos Sur were said to be "partners" in-charge of the operations of illegal gambling in the country.[citation needed]Governor Singson feared that he would be charged and stripped of power (there have been talks about the governor making a deal with the opposition... he was to help incriminate Estrada and he would be compensated for his service), but he was offered immunity by anti-Estrada lawmakers. He was then asked to accuse the President of having committed several illegal acts. Vice-President of thenEquitable-PCI BankClarissa Ocampotestified that she saw the President, Joseph Estrada sign the false name "Jose Velarde" on the banking document and this was also witnessed by Apodicio Laquian.[49]According toTransparency Internationalin an old survey that did not fit with newer information[by whom?], Estrada was the tenth most corrupt head of government ever, and being the second Philippine Head of State afterMarcosin terms of corruption.[50][51]EDSA II[edit]Main article:EDSA Revolution of 2001Protests[edit]On the evening of January 16, 2001, the impeachment court, whose majority were political allies of Estrada,[52]voted not to open an envelope that was said to contain incriminating evidence against the president. The final vote was 1110, in favor of keeping the envelope closed. The prosecution panel (of congressmen and lawyers) walked out of the Impeachment Court in protest of this vote. Others noted that the walkout merited acontempt of courtwhich Davide, intentionally or unintentionally, did not enforce.[53]The afternoon schedule of television networks covering the Impeachment were pre-empted by the prolongation of the day's court session due to the issue of this envelope. The eveningtelenovelasof networks were pushed back for up to two hours. That night, anti-Estrada protesters gathered in front of theEDSA ShrineatEpifanio de los Santos Avenue, not too far away from the site of the 1986People Power Revolutionthat overthrewFerdinand Marcos. A political turmoil ensued and the clamor for Estrada's resignation became stronger than ever. In the following days, the number of protesters grew to the hundreds of thousands.On January 19, 2001, theArmed Forces of the Philippines, seeing the political upheaval throughout the country, decided to withdraw its support from the president and transfer its allegiance to the vice president,Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo. The following day, the Supreme Court declared that the seat of presidency was vacant.Resignation[edit]At noon, the Supreme Court declared that Estrada "constructively resigned" his post and the Chief Justice swore in the constitutional successor,Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, as President of the Philippines.[54]Prior to Estrada's departure fromMalacaang, he issued a press release which included:...I now leave Malacaang Palace, the seat of the presidency of this country, for the sake of peace and in order to begin the healing process of our nation. I leave the Palace of our people with gratitude for the opportunities given to me for service to our people...[55]

On January 18, 2008, Joseph Estrada'sPwersa ng Masang Pilipino(PMP) placed a full-page advertisement inMetro Manilanewspapers, blamingEDSA 2of having "inflicted a dent on Philippine democracy". Its featured clippings questioned the constitutionality of the revolution. The published featured clippings were taken fromTime,New York Times,The Straits Times,Los Angeles Times,Washington Post,Asia Times Online,The Economist, and theInternational Herald Tribune. Former Supreme Court justice and Estrada appointee as chairwoman of the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office Cecilia Muoz Palma opined that EDSA 2 violated the1987 Constitution.[56]