Learning the wrong lesson. (Frontline).(Joseph P. Estrada, ex-Philippine president)(Brief Article)

IT'S BEEN JUST 13 months since mass protests and impeachment drove ex-Philippine president Joseph Estrada from office.

The episode reminded Filipino voters why they doubt their government; investors were reminded why many steer clear of the Philippines.

Imagine the outrage, then, over the drive to give the detained Estrada a four-month pass -- or a much longer one -- to the United States. There are actually two give-Estrada-a-break drives. One would let him travel to the US for knee surgery, arguing local doctors stink. Estrada denies it's a ruse to escape justice, but folks here worry he'll seek political asylum abroad.

The other would put the …