Erap, Binay to file COCs on Nov. 30

MANILA, Philippines – Former President Joseph Estrada and his running mate, Makati Mayor Jejomar Binay will file their Certificates of Candidacy (COCs) together on Nov. 30, coinciding with the birth date of national hero Andres Bonifacio.

Estrada said they would file their COCs before noon of Nov. 30.

“We chose the date of birth of the hero of the masses, Andres Bonifacio to give significance to the filing of our candidacies. We will come from Luneta (Quirino Grandstand) all the way to the central office of the Comelec (Commission on Elections),” Estrada told reporters at the inauguration of the University of Makati’s track and field oval yesterday.

Estrada said he is ready to face the rush of petitions questioning the legality of his presidential bid in 2010.

“People are asking me why I’m still running. I’m running because my presidency was unceremoniously disrupted that is why I was not able to continue my pro-poor programs,” Estrada said.

He said he is the most experienced candidate among the presidential candidates.

“This doesn’t matter (petition for his disqualification). I am the most experienced among the candidates. I know the problem of our country well,” Estrada said.

Estrada said the roster of their ticket’s senatorial candidates is not yet complete.

Among those who are already confirmed to join the senatorial ticket are Senate President Juan Ponce Enrile, Senate President Pro Tempore Jose “Jinggoy” Estrada, Sen. Mi­riam Defensor-Santiago (as guest candidate), Joey de Venecia and Grace Poe.

“We will try hard to get Senator Serge Osmeña in our ticket even as guest candidate. If he will accept it, the better. He is a man of principle. He is credible. He is very industrious and good fiscalizer. In 2007, he was with the opposition,” Estrada said.

He said the issue of a winnable presidential candidate remains “unpredictable.”

“The people have no choice yet, that is why it is still unpredictable at this time. Kabayan (Vice President Noli de Castro) has been number one during the initial stage of the surveys. But where is he right now? All of these will be clear by February to March. Two months before the elections, that will settle down,” Estrada said.

On Nov. 30, Estrada will ride a regular passenger jeepney at the Quirino Grandstand in Luneta, Manila with Binay, and with some 10,000 supporters proceed to the Comelec main office in Intramuros.

Ferdie Ramos, one of Estrada’s media officers, said the regular passenger jeepney is a symbol of Estrada’s concern for the poor.

The theme of the campaign for 2010 of Estrada is Ibalik ang Pwersa sa Masa. He will be accompanied by 10,000 people coming from main core groups including Pwersa ng Masang Pilipino, JEEP, UMDJAY, NCCD, MARE, Agilang Pilipino and the PMAP. On Mayor Binay’s side, the organizations BRODSS of Apo, MacNet, PDP-Laban will also join the march on Nov. 30 from Luneta to Comelec.

Erap runs at the University of Makati oval

Meanwhile, Estrada proved yesterday that he is strong, fit and healthy to govern the country.

Estrada, 72, along with Binay, University of Makati president Tomas Lopez and Makati resident and NBN-ZTE whistleblower Joey de Venecia led the ceremonial run at university oval yesterday.

Estrada was early at the field and told organizers that the 50-meter distance was “too short.”

After the run started, organizers and the 200 college students who were running behind him were surprised when Estrada went past the designated marker and started running the entire distance of the 1.5 km oval, to the cheers of students and spectators.

“I want to run another three rounds. One round is not enough for me. My knees have been replaced with titanium and I am now a Bionic Man,” Estrada said.

For his part, Binay said Estrada only showed that he is ready to run in the 2010 presidential elections.

“After this, we can no longer doubt that President Estrada is indeed really very healthy. This only shows that president Estrada and I are ready to run, ready to win and ready to govern,” Binay said.