'Don't count out Erap in 2010'

MANILA, Philippines - With two brand-new King Air turboprop aircraft and at least 20 vans at his disposal, former President Joseph Estrada will surely run for president in next year’s elections, a former party mate said yesterday.

Senate President Juan Ponce Enrile also advised presidential aspirants yesterday not to take Estrada for granted despite his being an “enigma” as far as the legality of his seeking re-election is concerned.

In an interview over radio dzBB, Enrile noted that Estrada has just purchased two brand- new King Air turboprop aircraft and at least 20 vans, purportedly for his campaign.

“But we are talking of political strength, a realistic assessment of the political strength of each one, as far as I’ve seen, because I am with him in the different parts of the country, from north to south… I think they are going to have a problem with Erap,” Enrile said, referring to Estrada by his nickname.

“(He has) two 350 King Air, 20 vans for political campaigning. Kung di pa proof yan na tatakbo, ewan ko na lang kung anong kailangang ebidensya na tatakbo. Tatakbo ‘yan (If that is not a proof that he is running I don’t know what evidence is needed, he will definitely run,” he said.

Senate Minority Leader Aquilino Pimentel Jr. also recognized Estrada’s stature in Philippine politics and his charm.

Estrada also has the funds to finance a long campaign, and as it is, enjoys about 10 to 15 percent advantage over other presidential bets, Pimentel said.

Estrada won the presidency in 1998 but was deposed in 2001 following controversy over his alleged acceptance of money from jueteng, an illegal numbers game. He was convicted of plunder in 2007 but was pardoned a month later by President Arroyo.

Estrada, a former actor, has threatened to run for president in 2010 if the opposition fails to unite and field a single candidate to challenge the administration standard-bearer. He only placed sixth in the latest SWS survey, which Sen. Manny Villar topped.

Enrile ran in the 2004 elections under Estrada’s Puwersa ng Masang Pilipino before quitting his post as president of PMP and declaring himself an “independent” in the Senate. – Christina Mendez, Dennis Carcamo