Allegations of cronyism and corruption have dogged Estrada since he was elected two years ago. Critics say Estrada did not pursue a $1 billion tax-evasion case against tycoon Lucio Tan, a major campaign supporter. But he did intervene in a stock-manipulation probe on behalf of a business friend. Singson’s allegations are much more serious–and last week various officials called for Estrada’s resignation. Cardinal Jaime Sin, the influential Manila archbishop who played a key role in the 1986 revolt against Ferdinand Marcos, wrote in a pastoral letter that Estrada “has lost the moral ascendancy to govern.” Vice President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo, the most popular cabinet member, resigned last week as secretary of the Department of Social Welfare and Development. A senator and a congressman also quit from the ruling party. Citizens’ groups and opposition politicians are scheduled to file an impeachment complaint in Congress against Estrada this week–though it is unlikely to go anywhere because Congress is still dominated by Estrada supporters. “It is more of a symbolic move,” political analyst Alex Magno said. “People will take the issue to the streets.”
Melinda de Jesus, a media analyst and political commentator, said that Singson turned on Estrada because “the president was not equal in giving favors to his cronies.” Political analysts say Estrada may have angered Singson by giving businessman Charlie Ang, a presidential buddy, control over a new–and legitimate–gambling game called bingo 2 ball. It is said to pose a financial threat to an illegal numbers syndicate of which Singson is part. “It’s like a quarrel among thieves,” says newspaper columnist Ellen Tordesillas.
In his testimony, Singson said that he’s been delivering gambling kickbacks to Estrada since late 1998. Twice a month, Singson asserted, he delivered cash to Estrada in an attache case, usually to the official residence in Malacanang. To back up his claim, Singson turned over a 22-page ledger that lists amounts collected and disbursements over a two-year period. Though Estrada’s name does not appear in the list, Singson says they used a code: the initials A.S. That stands for Asyong Salonga, a tough film character that Estrada played in his former life as an actor.
That was only the beginning. In another deal, Singson said an aide of Estrada’s asked for close to $3 million out of the $4 million in cigarette taxes boundfor Ilocos Sur to help tobacco farmers. “[Estrada] asked me if I could help in paying some of the obligations spent during the last election,” Singson said in his sworn statement. Ac-cording to Singson’s written account, he gave the amount in cash to the presidential aide, who accompanied him to Estrada’s private residence. The aide gave the money to the president, said Singson.
Estrada, meanwhile, has been keeping a low profile. He has not faced the press since the scandal broke out. He read a statement on national TV in which he denied receiving a single centavo from illegal gambling. “My conscience is clear,” he said. “The only evidence submitted consists of the self-serving testimony of a confessed key player in illegal gambling. He has also been found to have clearly misused two billion pesos [$43 million] of public funds by the Commission on Audit.” Estrada also said calls for his impeachment or resignation are “unfair and hasty,” and vowed to finish his six-year term in office.
The scandal has already affected the financial markets; last week stocks fell and the peso plunged to an all-time low. Executive Secretary Ronaldo Zamora warned that the economy could “fall into ruin” should the controversy drag on. Informal surveys show that people believe Estrada received payoffs. The Philippine Daily Inquirer, in an online survey, found that 87 percent of the 10,000-plus respondents find Singson’s allegations credible. That could mean trouble for the president. “Estrada can’t survive this one,” a senior military officer told NEWSWEEK. After all, 14 years ago Filipinos toppled an entrenched dictator with a peaceful People Power movement. Might they do it again?
