New movement pushes for Davide

Another reluctant presidential candidate is now thrown into the political spotlight.

Chief Justice Hilario Davide Jr., considered one of the leading figures in the Estrada impeachment trial and the EDSA II people’s uprising that swept President Arroyo into power, is now being asked to run for president in next year’s elections.

The Davide Na (DNA) movement, which was launched yesterday, also called on President Arroyo and former education secretary Raul Roco to give way to the chief magistrate.

Davide, however, reiterated anew that he has no plans to run for president even as a movement was launched to convince him to give politics a try.

DNA convenor Chuck Crisanto said their group intends to gather a million signatures to convince Davide to run in the May 2004 polls.

"Presently, the person with true backbone of integrity, honesty, hard work, love of country and a sterling record of unselfish performance for the public good is none other than Davide. Compared to the qualities and achievements of the chief justice, the rest are mere poseurs," the DNA movement said in a statement.

"We call on the public to join us in drafting for president a man who embodies our deepest ideals of a true public servant — who has unsullied integrity, incorruptible, humble and truly capable of governing the affairs of our nation," Crisanto said.

He said Filipinos who would like to support this call may visit the DNA website at www. davide4president.com or text 09273779888.

In an chance interview, Davide said he does not know about the signature campaign to be undertaken by DNA. He stressed that the presidency does not fall within "his plans" despite a promise of more than a million signatures.

Earlier, SC spokesman Ismael Khan told The STAR that Davide had been approached by various groups many times before but the chief justice has long rejected the idea of getting into politics.

"The chief justice has been steadfast in ruling out that possibility. He has consistently affirmed his stand that he wants to finish his term up to 2005," Khan said. "I believe that he will continue to hold that position."

Crisanto, however, claimed that he had met with Davide and informed him of their desire to have him as the people’s candidate.

"In selecting the presidential candidates, why should the people be limited only to the choices made by people with narrow political interests? Why is the selection process for some parties dependent on a person selecting herself? Why should we allow surveys to determine who the candidate should be?" DNA asked.

With millions of cellular phone users in the country, Crisanto said the Davide machinery can match the other politicians.

He said they will present the million signatures to Davide a week before the end of filing of certificates of candidacy in January to encourage the chief justice to vie for the country’s highest position.

Davide was appointed chief justice in 1999. He was assemblyman of the Batasang Pambansa representing Central Visayas from 1978 to 1984. He was also one of the framers of the 1987 Constitution and chairman of the Commission on Elections from 1988 to 1990.

Another convenor, JJ Soriano, said Davide can unite the groups of Mrs. Arroyo and Roco, both original members of EDSA people power II revolt.

Soriano said the group does not question the popularity of actor Fernando Poe Jr. "but let’s not let popularity be the basis of the presidential election."

Crisanto said the DNA will be conducting tours in public markets, malls and in many other areas to promote awareness of the issues among the voters.

"The only thing to do is to translate awareness into votes," Crisanto added.

Meanwhile, convenor lawyer Bong Montesa said that some of the political parties are still on a "wait-and-see" attitude and are still not decided on who to support.

So far, the presidential candidates include Mrs. Arroyo, Poe, Roco and opposition Sen. Panfilo Lacson.