She was a friend of mine in grade school.
Her father is Joseph "Erap" Estrada, the former president of the Philippines.
However, he was found guilty of embezzling millions of dollars from the country.
A few years ago over lunch, J spoke of her father's innocence.
I remember thinking in my head that I did not want to be a hypocrite by agreeing with her.
So when she spoke of her father's incarceration, all I said was:
"This must be so terrible to go through."
Yesterday for some inexplicable reason, Erap was pardoned by the present president.
I am happy for J--the daughter,
but sad for the Philippines.