Doubts about Estrada

The self-styled "friend of the poor" was supported by activists from non-governmental organizations as well as old leftists formerly associated with the Philippine Communist Party. But his campaign was reportedly bankrolled by capitalist cronies of the late president Ferdinand Marcos. Rumors that Estrada will grant favors to the plutocrats who helped him win the presidency have already begun to fly.

His popular appeal notwithstanding, Estrada will not be able to resolve the problem of poverty in the Philippines unless he implements land reforms and redistributes land held by the largest landowners. Estrada has committed himself to village development projects to boost agricultural output but has yet to take a clear stand on land reform.

Whether Estrada will be able to carry out policies that benefit the poor remains an open question. His first test will come after the exhilaration of victory wears off and the public begins to take a hard look at his policies.

-- Mainichi Shimbun, Tokyo