Erap issues deadline for opposition to unite

BAYOMBONG, Nueva Vizcaya , PHilippines  – Former President Joseph Estrada imposed a November deadline on all opposition presidential aspirants to unite behind one common candidate or he will be forced to run for president again.

“I will give them (opposition candidates) until November. I will run if they fail to unite themselves. That is my last option. I hope we have all learned from the lessons of 2004 where three opposition candidates ran (Fernando Poe Jr., Sen. Panfilo Lacson and the late Sen. Raul Roco),” he said.

He said the disunity of the opposition enabled the administration not only to lead but gave them the opportunity to cheat.

Estrada was accompanied by Makati Mayor Jejomar Binay, one of the opposition presidential aspirants, during a visit here last Thursday as part of the Lakbay Pasasalamat to thank his supporters.

Once the opposition groups unite, next year will be an opposition year, Estrada said.

Estrada also vowed to complete his term in case he is re-elected president.

“I wasn’t able to complete my studies, I wasn’t able to complete my presidency, I wasn’t even able to complete my jail term. But I promise I will finish my term (should I become President again),” said Estrada.

Estrada arrived here on board a private helicopter and met provincial officials led by Gov. Luisa Lloren Cuaresma, Vice Gov. Jose Gambito and board member Edu Balgos who arranged the former president’s visit.

The former president was mobbed by hundreds of capitol employees and residents. He paid a courtesy call on Bayombong Bishop Ramon Villena at the diocesan clergy house before holding a motorcade through this town and Solano.

Meanwhile, Quezon City Mayor Feliciano Belmonte confirmed that Vice President Noli de Castro and Defense Secretary Gilbert Teodoro are leading the selection process for standard bearer of the ruling party Lakas-CMD for the 2010 elections.

Belmonte, who is also a prospective presidential bet of Lakas, said De Castro’s and Teodoro’s names were brought up during the coalition’s meeting on Thursday night.

He said that former President Fidel Ramos, Lakas chairman emeritus, also attended the meeting.

Belmonte said among the factors being considered by the party were the person’s “winnability and compatibility with the administration.”    – With Reinir Padua