Erap says rivals' lead in surveys may not translate into votes

MANILA, Philippines - Former President Joseph Estrada has expressed confidence his top rivals’ lead in surveys of presidential candidates will not translate to votes come May 2010.

“They are still weighing everything. It’s still five months from election day. Two months before the election, I think they will be decided on who to vote for,” Estrada said in an interview at the Commission on Elections (Comelec) office in Intramuros which was hearing a disqualification case filed against him.

Senators Benigno “Noynoy” Aquino III and Manny Villar have consistently topped the surveys. In the latest Pulse Asia survey, Aquino’s rating was at 44 percent, followed by Villar at 23 percent, and Estrada at 19 percent.

“The people have seen my performance even if it’s just two and a half years. None of my Cabinet officials have been involved in scam,” he added.

A battery of lawyers accompanied Estrada yesterday at the hearing of the Comelec’s Second Division on the three disqualification cases filed against him by lawyer Evillo Pormento and Elly Pamatong, and one Mary Lou Estrada.

The three claimed that Estrada should not be allowed to seek the presidency, citing constitutional provision against re-election of a president.

“It’s baseless. The ban is only for incumbent president, a president who served complete six years. I served only for two and a half years so I’m qualified to run,” he added.

During the hearing, Estrada’s lead counsel George Garcia moved for the consolidation of the three cases but this was opposed by Romulo Macalintal, lawyer of President Arroyo.

In seeking the country’s highest post, Estrada said he wants to be remembered as a leader who championed the cause of the masses.

Estrada, standard bearer of the United Opposition, said his return to Malacañang would enable him to finish his pro-poor programs that got stalled when he was ousted in 2001.

“I have always said that in the twilight of my life, I just want to be remembered as the man who championed the cause of the Filipino masses,” he said.