Malacañang’s birthday wish for Erap: Stay handsome

Malacañang relayed this birthday wish to former President Joseph Estrada on his 69th celebration today: "Remain handsome."

"We wish that he continues to be healthy or for his health to improve and we also wish that he remains handsome," said Press Secretary Ignacio Bunye, who coincidentally celebrates his 61st birthday today.

A famous action star of the 1960s and ’70s, Estrada often played roles defending the poor and the oppressed that endeared him to the masses.

The roles enhanced his macho image with his signature mustache, a swaggering pose to highlight his numerous reel and real-life affairs with beautiful leading ladies.

Estrada was able to parlay his movie star fame into a political career, serving as mayor of San Juan for decades before being elected to the Senate and eventually Vice President in 1992.

Estrada’s strong popular appeal helped him win a landslide victory in the 1998 presidential elections.

But his popularity did not prevent an onslaught of criticisms and allegations of corruption against his administration that eventually led to his ouster in January 2001 and the installation of his Vice President, Gloria Arroyo, as chief executive.

Bunye, for his part, did not mention whether President Arroyo would send a birthday gift to the ousted leader.

Mrs. Arroyo had presented Estrada with a golf cart for the former president — who has bad knees — to use while touring his sprawling estate in Tanay, Rizal where he is under "house arrest."

The President has also sent birthday cards and greeted Estrada personally over the phone.

Ilocos Sur Governor Luis "Chavit" Singson, the government’s main witness against Estrada in his ongoing plunder trial, also wished his erstwhile friend well on his birthday.

"I wish him well, especially on his birthday. I wish him discernment, or insight into what he has done, that he may see how things could have been better for him and for our country. This is the best gift for him, for it is only in recognizing where one erred that he can improve himself," Singson said in a statement.

Estrada is expected to spend part of his birthday attending Mass at the St. Peter’s Cathedral on Commonwealth Avenue in Quezon City, meters away from where he is set to take the witness stand in his own defense before the Sandiganbayan.

Police have implemented tight security measures at the church and surrounding areas where thousands of Estrada supporters are expected to converge.

At least 100 uniformed policemen have been deployed to the area, National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) chief Director Vidal Querol said.

"I don’t see anything very, very threatening tomorrow. About 100 policemen would be assigned to Sandiganbayan and about 100 policemen at St. Peter’s Church. Another group of cops would be on standby to be deployed if the need arises," he said.

The Sandiganbayan has allowed Estrada to attend Mass at the St. Peter’s Church before proceeding to the anti-graft court for the continuation of his trial hearings the same day.

Querol expressed confidence that Estrada’s "day out" today would be peaceful and orderly though hundreds of his supporters are expected to stage a protest rally as their birthday gift to the former president.

Estrada’s media liaison, Ferdie Ramos, said supporters and friends of the former president will hold a birthday bash which will be preceded by a symbolic torch parade.

The Mass will be officiated by Novaliches Bishop Antonio Tobias and followed by four live bands and a street dancing program, dubbed "Jamming for Justice."

Among the hundreds of Estrada’s friends and supporters expected to attend the Mass is former actress Susan Roces, widow of opposition standard bearer Fernando Poe Jr.

Estrada’s camp issued a statement saying the former president will proceed to the church lobby for a simple breakfast shared with leaders of various pro-Estrada groups.

Estrada will then join his special guests at the church’s mezzanine floor before proceeding to the nearby Sandiganbayan building.

But even as Estrada takes the witness stand, the festivities of his birthday will continue outside the St. Peter’s Church.

In a statement, Estrada expressed his thanks to the Sandiganbayan for allowing him to attend Mass before appearing in court today.

Estrada also thanked Quezon City Mayor Feliciano Belmonte Jr. and authorities for allowing his supporters to take part in his birthday bash.

"I am also grateful to Quezon City Mayor ‘Sonny’ Belmonte for extending the earlier permit granted for this event, the officials of the (Philippine National Police) for their cooperation and support. Likewise, to Metropolitan Manila Development Authority Chairman

Bayani Fernando for his prompt action on various road works in the area to ensure that motorists are not inconvenienced by the events my friends and supporters have lined up for today," Estrada said in a statement. — With Cecille Suerte Felipe, Mike Frialde