EDSA II player can work with Erap

MANILA, Philippines - Bangon Pilipinas Party (BBP) vice presidential candidate Perfecto Yasay Jr. yesterday said he is willing to work with Pwersa ng Masang Pilipino (PMP) standard-bearer former President Joseph Estrada if they both win in the upcoming elections.

During Estrada’s impeachment trial, Yasay, then the chair of the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), testified on Estrada’s involvement in the massive stock market scam in 1999 known as the BW scam.

Yasay had apologized to Estrada when they met in Davao City last Feb. 14. He maintained, however, that he did not apologize for his testimony against the former president, but for causing him pain.   

But as his vice president, Yasay said he would make sure that Estrada performs his duties well.

“I can work with former President Estrada. But I will also make sure that Erap will perform his duty in executing the laws of the Philippines faithfully and in protecting the best interest of the Filipinos,” Yasay told STAR editors and reporters during a roundtable discussion yesterday.

Yasay, who has consistently lagged behind in pre-election surveys on voter preference in the vice presidential race, said he is offering himself as an alternative candidate to the people.

“If the people want change, what is the kind of change you want? Make sure that the persons you elect would effect the change and deliver on their promises,” he said.

Yasay also said he favors amending the 1987 Constitution through a constitutional convention.