Negotiations failed to convince Estrada to officially resign. He has instead asked for 5 days to “think about it,” and is now closeted up in the Palace with the few supporters he has left. Three business days — enough time to cash a check?

The march on the Palace may be delayed, but that has not stopped some groups from beginning the march independently. Riot police have been recalled, but iron railings, barbed wire, and stubbornly noisy pro-Erap supporters still remain in the area.

The US Embassy has withdrawn support for Estrada. One of his most infamous supporters, Ernesto Maceda, is on terminal leave.