He did not go willingly—or even, if looked at too closely, lawfully. But the fall of Joseph Estrada marks a new beginning for the Philippines, and the inclination of most of its citizens, as well as of most foreign governments, this week has been to breathe a sigh of relief and let the new president, Gloria Macapagal Arroyo, get on with the job. Investors celebrated in sympathy with the victorious protesters, lifting the peso and the stockmarket from the depths to which they had sunk under Mr Estrada's long ordeal. From capitals east and west, and most crucially from Washington, came congratulation and pledges of support.
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