Erap to opposition: Unite or I will run

BAYOMBONG, Nueva Vizcaya – Former President Joseph Estrada, who visited Cagayan Valley recently, said he would run for the presidency should the opposition fail to unite and field a common presidential standard-bearer in next year’s polls.

“I will run if the opposition fails to unite,” said Estrada, who was mobbed by residents of Isabela, the first leg of his four-day travel to northeastern Luzon, including Kalinga in the Cordillera.

The travel is part of Estrada’s Lakbay Pasasalamat which aims to convey his personal gratitude for the support of the public.

Among those eyeing the presidency from the ranks of the opposition are Senators Manny Villar of the Nacionalista Party, Loren Legarda and Francis Escudero of the Nationalist People’s Coalition, Mar Roxas of the Liberal Party and Panfilo Lacson and Makati Mayor Jejomar Binay.

In his sortie, Estrada gamely mixed with ordinary folks, hugging, handshaking and exchanging pleasantries with them.

But he denied he was already in campaign mode and feeling the pulse of the countryside in connection with his reported plan to run again in 2010.

 “I’m just here to thank the people for their support. That’s what I promised. Since I was released from my incarceration, I have been going around the country thanking the people,” he said.

Incumbent government officials led by Senate President Juan Ponce Enrile as well as former local executives welcomed Estrada in his visit.

Meanwhile, Enrile, a native of Cagayan, urged Estrada to run again for the presidency and let the people decide if he can still make it amid legal questions.

“Let the voice of the people be heard. The voice of the people is the voice of God,” Enrile was quoted as saying during welcome rites for the former president in Cagayan.

Likewise, former senator Ernesto Maceda, who was part of Estrada’s entourage along with Binay, said they are ready to answer queries on the legality of the Estrada’s possible plans to run for the presidency.

According to Maceda, a panel of former Supreme Court (SC) justices came out with a finding that since the Constitution does not prohibit former presidents from reelection, there is no legal impediment for Estrada to run again if he so decides. This, he said, also applies to former Presidents Corazon Aquino and Fidel Ramos should they again seek the presidency.