THE guilty verdict on the plunder case against former President Joseph “Erap” Estrada only showed that nobody is above the law and that justice still exists in the country.

Most Pangasinenses aired this common sentiment when asked to react on the guilty verdict against Estrada Wednesday.

A government employee however commented that he was feeling some pity for the deposed president for his age and for already serving imprisonment of more than six years. Estrada turned 70 last April

Former Vice-Governor Oscar B. Lambino said the guilty verdict would “serve as a wake up call to all public officials and a warning that nobody is above the law.”

The decision was fair enough as it proved that justice still exists in the country, a public school teacher noted. “It looks like there is still justice after all,” a businessman added.

Radio anchorman Orly Navarro said he already expected the sentence. Else, he observed, Estrada would insist that he is still the legitimate president. Such allegation was unfounded because the former president was ousted for the very reason of plundering the country’s wealth, he pointed out.

Board Member Alfonso Bince, Jr., a defense lawyer, refused to give his immediate reaction on the matter. He said he was securing a copy of the decision and preparing a press statement.

Others refused to give their reactions. One simply said “No comment.”

While many Dagupenos indeed were glued to their television sets, most people from this bustling city went on with their daily activities as the Sandiganbayan rendered its historic decision Wednesday. (DOS)