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TODAY, Dec. 7, President Estrada makes history, as he becomes the first Philippine president -- and the only Asian leader -- to undergo an impeachment trial.

As the biggest trial in Philippine history gets under way, the whole country awaits the Senate impeachment tribunal’s decision. While few doubt that the President’s trial might be a long, drawn-out affair, many pray for a quick process that would finally put an end to all the speculation.

Mr. Estrada will first be tried under the charge of bribery -- which is seen to last seven days -- after which the prosecution will continue with the three other charges filed against him. The prosecution sees hearings on graft and corruption to take 12 days, five to seven days for the charge of culpable violation of the Constitution and 10-12 days for hearing the charge of betrayal of public trust. The 11 congressmen-prosecutors hope that the trial would be over by mid-January.

Whether Mr. Estrada is ultimately acquitted or convicted, the judgment would not only determine the future of the Estrada presidency but of the whole nation. This grave responsibility falls squarely on the shoulders of the 22 senators who will cast their vote for or against the President. As has been the case many times throughout history, the fate of millions once again lies in the hands of a few.

As a service to the Inquirer.net's readers and to the nation, we will provide complete day-to-day, up-to-the-minute multimedia coverage of the Estrada impeachment trial. From Day One until its much-awaited conclusion, Inquirer.net will give you the freshest and most relevant information on this milestone event in Philippine history.

Let the Estrada trial begin.