IF SOMETHING good has come out of Joseph "Erap" Estrada's pardon, that is the fact that the "Oust Gloria Movement" has at last been purged of a fake symbol pretentiously representing the masses and the idea of good government.

Prior to the pardon, several known oppositionists, in a make-believe, propped up Erap as the rallying figure against Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo's evil regime. They had hoped that Erap's following among the masses, or what remains of it, would strengthen the fledging anti-GMA forces.

This country is hungry for a modern-day martyr. And it was prepared to create one, though his only claim to suffering was to be confined in a private mansion where he could feast on sumptuous food; and indeed he played hero to the outside world.

But Erap has shown his true colors. Trembling at the thought of even one night in Muntinlupa, he sought executive clemency and now sings a different tune--he isn't joining the mounting call for GMA's resignation.

His turnaround only confirmed what has been clear from the very beginning. Erap can never be a driving force against corruption for he himself is corrupt. He cannot usher in a new type of governance for he is an old trapo. He cannot rail against criminals in public office for he has been a proven plunderer.

In other words, Erap is no different from GMA. And with Erap and GMA together, like old school chums suddenly finding love, this awful truth has become incontestable.

In a sense, this will prove beneficial to advocates of real change. They will no longer be burdened by a gaping contradiction, the kind we witness in the person of Teofisto Guingona, who batted for Erap's freedom several years after his stirring "I Accuse" speech.

For a time, GMA's strategy of identifying all the progressive elements seeking her ouster with Erap's camp was effective in keeping them away from the mass actions. But with Erap now under her leash, GMA has deprived herself of a convenient bogeyman. This time, she cannot blame her political rival for the widespread hatred of her regime. She can no longer make a sweeping charge that everyone who opposes her is an "Erap restorationist." She can no longer dismiss the brewing discontent as political bickering.

Ironically, GMA does not realize the double-edged sword she is dangling over the people's heads. The country must move on, she says. And indeed, the country is moving on, without Erap, in opposing her. The struggle will finally go beyond the irrational personality-centered politics of Erap's fanatics.

The pardon will pave the way for national unity, GMA further proclaims. And, indeed, the nation-- strengthened after having been exorcised of the demon of a convicted plunderer who has gone over to GMA's side--is now united, more than ever, in seeking her ouster.

Among the anti-GMA forces, the chaff has been separated from the grain. Erap may have compromised, but not the nation.--BUJON APOSTOL, Philippine Union For Nationalist Liberation (Punyal), via e-mail