MACEDA: UNO WELCOMES 'PALACE-INSPIRED' DISQUALIFICATION PETITIONS
MANILA, OCTOBER 25, 2009 (STAR) By Jose Rodel Clapano - The United Opposition (UNO) yesterday welcomed what they called the Malacañang-inspired “deluge of petitions” seeking to disqualify former President Joseph Estrada from the 2010 elections.UNO spokesman Ernesto Maceda said the statement coming from Malacañang suggesting a deluge of petitions to disqualify Estrada only confirms the former president poses a threat.
“It only confirms that they consider President Erap as a winning candidate. No less than Sen. Juan Miguel Zubiri has admitted he is a serious threat while Cabinet Secretary Silvestre Bello III admitted that President Erap has a large following and his team up with Mayor Jojo (Jejomar) Binay is a formidable one,” Maceda said.
Maceda stressed critics are simply afraid of Estrada coming back to Malacañang.
He said UNO is prepared for the legal battle ahead with topnotch lawyers, constitutional and legal experts to argue that Estrada is qualified to run for the 2010 presidential elections under the Constitution.
Maceda argued the provisions of the Constitution barring the reelection of a former president do not apply to Estrada.
He said the constitutional provisions apply only to the incumbent president, not to a former president.
Deputy UNO spokesman Ralph Calinisan said the assertion that Estrada is not qualified to run under the Constitution is “clearly misleading and downright false.”
“President Estrada is more than qualified to run again as president. The prohibition on reelection against a President (is for one) who has fully served a full term of six years or who has succeeded as president and has served as president for more than four years,” Calinisan pointed out.
Maceda and Calinisan continued to argue point by point the legality of Estrada seeking reelection.
For his part, Binay said they are expecting the demolition work against Estrada to begin in earnest.
“Make no mistake about it. President Estrada remains a national leader admired and respected by the masses. Even the administration party recognizes him as a threat. And we anticipate that the demolition work on him will soon be starting,” Binay said.
Binay said they are prepared to argue the legality of Estrada’s reelection bid.
“We believe we stand on firm legal grounds. If these cases are filed, we are prepared to respond,” he said.
Officials of the administration party Lakas-Kampi-CMD said the entry of Estrada in the presidential derby would work in their favor since it would further divide the opposition. – With Perseus Echeminada
Administration party won't file case to stop Erap By Perseus Echeminada (The Philippine Star) Updated October 25, 2009 12:00
MANILA, Philippines - The ruling Lakas-Kampi-CMD will not initiate any disqualification case against former President Joseph Estrada once he files his certificate of candidacy as an opposition presidential candidate in the 2010 elections, a top party official said yesterday.
“It’s the consensus of the party that no disqualification case will be filed against Erap,” Albay Gov. Joey Salceda said, referring to Estrada by his nickname.
Salceda told reporters at the weekly Kapihan sa Sulo news forum in Quezon City that Estrada’s decision was a political mistake, hence there was no need to contest it. The Albay governor is a member of the ruling party’s national executive committee.
“We are just waiting for the opposition to commit mistakes and self destruct,” he said.
Salceda also revealed that with the withdrawal of Interior and Local Government Secretary Ronaldo Puno from the vice presidential race, Batangas Gov. Vilma Santos has emerged as the possible running mate of administration standard bearer Defense Secretary Gilbert Teodoro Jr.
But he said he is not sure of Santos’ decision on the offer.
Earlier, Lakas-Kampi-CMD deputy secretary general Ray Roquero said the party is set to officially declare Teodoro as its standard bearer, and is also finalizing its senatorial lineup.
“Lakas-Kampi will be the only party that will be fielding a complete lineup from president down to municipal councilor,” Roquero said.
Another party official, Reggie Velasco, said Estrada’s joining the presidential race has heightened the chances of an administration victory.
“The more candidates from the opposition the better for the administration party,” Velasco said.
Sen. Benigno Aquino III has consistently topped recent surveys, followed by Sen. Manuel Villar and Estrada.
Chief News Editor: Sol Jose Vanzi
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