Erap explains ouster as president

MANILA, Philippines - Former President Joseph Estrada found it necessary to explain at length to Manila voters why he was ousted from Malacañang in 2001, a key issue being hurled against him by his critics, during his proclamation rally Sunday.

During his proclamation as Manila mayoralty bet of the United Nationalist Alliance (UNA), Estrada reiterated that he was deposed by elitists who are against his reforms.

“In EDSA Dos, I was robbed of my post by those who are greedy for power. The post was given to me by the people and the constitution. The President that you installed through clean elections was deposed by the ruling class,” Estrada said in Filipino.

“Why are we not celebrating EDSA Dos? Because it is a sad and bitter part of our history,” he added.

Estrada lost the presidency in 2001 via the EDSA Dos revolt, which catapulted then Vice President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo to power. 

Thousands gathered in EDSA to demand his resignation following allegations that he used his position to amass wealth. Estrada was convicted by the Sandiganbayan for plunder in September 2007 but was granted pardon by Arroyo a month later.

Estrada’s ouster is being used by his critics to discredit him and to cast doubts on his credibility. The former President seemed to be aware of this as he used about half of his proclamation speech, which lasted more than an hour, to explain his side on the issue.

Estrada’s speech served as the final part of the more than six-hour proclamation rally in Liwasang Bonifacio, which started at 4 p.m. While UNA claimed that the event was attended by 70,000 people, many had left when Estrada delivered his piece.

Estrada chided his rival, Manila Mayor Alfredo Lim, for using the issue against him.

“My rival here in Manila calls me an ex-convict and plunderer. If that’s the case, why did he go to Tanay where I was jailed? He even cried as he sought my endorsement when he was running for mayor,” Estrada said in Filipino.

Estrada also showed video clips of key EDSA Dos figures apologizing to him for their role in the revolt, which some observers regard as unconstitutional.

These figures include former Securities and Exchange Commission chair Perfecto Yasay, who testified before the Estrada impeachment trial, Catholic Bishop Antonio Tobias and former President Corazon Aquino. “I have forgiven them. But they should not repeat it again,” Estrada said.