Erap to be disqualified, to divide opposition if he runs

MANILA, Philippines – Election lawyer Romulo Macalintal warned pardoned President Joseph Estrada that he will be disqualified and the opposition would be divided if he runs in the 2010 presidential elections.

He told radio dzBB that Estrada can file his certificate of candidacy in the 2010 presidential elections, but he would face many legal questions and he may end up being disqualified.

Macalintal, a lawyer of President Arroyo, made the statement in reaction to the “ERAP 2010” stickers produced by Estrada’s supporters that called themselves the ERAP 2010 for President Movement headed by Vince Avena.

The Constitution prohibits elected presidents from running for re-election, but Estrada’s supporters have made hints that they will bring the issue to the Supreme Court.

He said the ERAP 2010 stickers could be a ploy of presidential candidates from the opposition who will lobby to be Estrada’s vice presidential bet in 2010. The candidates, however, expect Estrada’s disqualification and the vice presidential bet will then become the opposition’s official presidential bet.

“The presidential bets in the opposition will haggle with each other to be Estrada’s vice presidential running mate. It would be the tactic of the presidentiables because they know that later on Estrada will be disqualified and the vice presidential candidate will have no sweat getting the presidential candidacy,” Macalintal said.

Macalintal said the presidentiables in the opposition are just making it appear that they are supporting Estrada to get the sympathy of Estrada’s supporters from the masses.

Macalintal said he will welcome having Estrada, Senate President Manuel Villar and Sen. Manuel Roxas run for president because it will divide the opposition.

Avena, president of the ERAP for 2010 movement, said the group would launch a campaign to support Estrada in the 2010 presidential elections.

He said they are supporting Estrada’s bid because of his pro-poor advocacy.

Avena said that Estrada is the epitome of a real leader who always thinks of the interest of poor Filipinos.

Actor Rez Cortez, head of Fernando Poe Jr. for President Movement, said that Estrada is their only choice to be the opposition’s standard-bearer in 2010.

Opposition Sen. Panfilo Lacson said Estrada could unite the opposition by not running in the presidential polls. – With Christina Mendez, Marvin Sy