Yesterday, the Comelec junked the disqualification case against former president, Joseph Estrada, allowing him to run in the May 20-10 presidential elections. Their rationale: let the people decide.

Netizens were quick to react. The overwhelming majority of people who Tweeted ANC were opposed to allowing the former president to seek reelection. (@megra_amazona argued, "The Constitution provides that the President is not eligible for ANY REELECTION. How can that be interpreted in any other way?" (@kikaikai) tweeted, "He was convicted of plunder for misdeeds done during his presidency. Ano ito (What is this), trial and error? Once is enough - more than enough.” Meanwhile, @dregonz commented, "If a regular job requires NBI clearance, what more for the presidency?"

Others hit what they say was the poll body's flawed reasoning. @keep2mys3lf contended, "That's the craziest justification ever. If they don't care about the Constitution then what is it there for?" @athensgarrote added, "If they let the people decide, what's the point of having a Comelec to screen presidentiables? Let everybody run for President then."

But there was still a contingent of people who agreed with the Comelec. @ejhayreyes reasoned, "The Philippines is a democratic country; sovereignty resides in the people. Let the people decide come election day whether Erap is qualified." @ghemagno08 also thought the people should decide, but added "I think Filipino[s]...are intelligent enough to make [a] better choice."

Still others wanted Estrada to run for other reasons. @ymmandee said, "Let Estrada run, and lose the race! He's not going to win, anyway! That should teach him true humility!", while @martinmanuson said, "Let Erap run so he can eat up some of Noynoy's votes! He's not projected to win anyway."

ABS-CBN reporter, R.G. Cruz, also pointed out an interesting historical note: the Comelec decision came on the same day, exactly 9 years ago, that Estrada left Malacañang and President Arroyo was installed in office.

Over on ANC's new Facebook fan page (Facebook), Alberto Herras drew attention to the need for the Supreme Court to rule on the constitutionality of the Comelec's decision in order to avoid controversy in future cases and "assure the people that government institutions are still working within the Constitution.”

In the coming days, more and more discussions are expected in relation to the coming polls. So, keep telling us what you think. Add to the discussion on ANC's Facebook fan page or tweet us at @ANCALERTS. Have your say on whether you think we've learned from the past, or if history should be allowed to repeat itself.