Erap awaits newest member of ‘X-Men’

MANILA, Philippines - Former President Joseph Estrada is awaiting a possible new member of “X-Men.”

Estrada, speaking at the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) headquarters in Manila, called himself the “head of X-Men,” but he was not referring to the group of mutant superheroes in American comics.

“I’ve been an ex-movie actor, ex-mayor, ex-senator, ex-vice president, ex-president, and finally ex-convict,” he said.

Then he added: “Sabagay may kapalit na ako doon (sa kulungan). Ewan ko kung may conviction yun (Well, I may soon have a replacement in jail, but I don’t know if there will be a conviction).”

He was obviously referring to, without naming names, now detained former president Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, who is under hospital arrest at the Veterans Memorial Medical Center on plunder and electoral sabotage charges.

At the NBI and JC International Manila’s Honorable Outstanding Patriotic Exemplary (HOPE) Awards, Estrada said as an ex-convict he is in the good company of world leaders who had also been imprisoned, citing the late senator Ninoy Aquino, former South African President Nelson Mandela, former Malaysian Deputy Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, and Myanmar opposition leader) Aung San Suu Kyi. “So I would say that I’m in good company. All of us were convicted because we are men of conviction,” he quipped.

Estrada, a candidate in next year’s Manila mayoralty election, criticized the condition of Manila that prompted him to challenge incumbent Manila Mayor Alfredo Lim.

“This is one of the reasons why I have decided to challenge the leadership of the City of Manila,” he said. “I cannot just sit back and witness the decline of this great city.”

Estrada congratulated the JC International Manila for taking the initiative to recognize and honor outstanding personnel who exemplify uncompromising commitment and dedication to their profession, for their unqualified dedication in the performance of their mission and duty. – Sandy Araneta