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Disgraced former Philippine president Joseph Estrada admits signing documents as Jose Velarde. He claims he did it on the insistence of his friend even though he was reluctant to do so. What a load of crock. He was the president of the Philippines at the time. He shouldn't be signing documents under a different name. And he shouldn't be bowing to the pressure of friends and cronies.

So, even Mr. Estrada's alibi shows how corrupt he really is. That is, if you believe his excuses. In truth, as has been revealed during his impeachment and subsequent investigations, the Jose Velarde bank account is used as a slush fund as well as for laundering ill-gotten wealth. It is no secret that Mr. Estrada built mansions for his multiple mistresses and their children during his brief tenure as president. Or that Mr. Estrada refurbished the presidential palace with gold fixtures and expensive paintings, which he plans to carry off with him when his term ends. Or that Mr. Estrada has silenced his former PR man because he knows too much. Or that Mr. Estrada is involved in illegal gambling and has received a percentage from the local gambling lords.

Mr. Estrada rose to prominence as an actor playing charismatic Robin-Hood-type roles in local movies. He has hoodwinked the people into thinking that he is just like the characters he portrays: humble and virtuous. But as has been shown throughout his storied political career, Mr. Estrada is the vilest of public officials, someone who enriches himself through blatant corruption, nepotism, intimidation and extortion. How a morally depraved person, who makes no secret of his wealth and marital infidelities, could command the majority of the masses to vote him into office, is an indictment against the wisdom of Philippine society.