The Long Way to the Philippine’s 2010 Election

Yes, you heard it right! Convicted plunderer former President Joseph “Erap” Estrada cannot run for the presidential election, for his freedom is at risk according to his former lawyer Alan Paguia.  A disgraced leader, who was convicted of plunder and sentenced to 40 years in prison but was immediately pardoned by President Macapagal-Arroyo, could be sent to jail for violating the terms of his pardon, which is not to seek any political position.  However, his advisers urged him to run again in 2010.  Therefore, Estrada’s pardon is conditional not absolute.  But, he said that if the opposition forces fail to unite, he might run for president in 2010.

On the other hand, a former activist Nilo Tayag, the bishop of the Iglesia Catolica Filipina Independiente, launched a signature campaign to get two million Filipinos to urge Chief Justice Reynato Puno to seek presidency in 2010.  According to Tayag, he is the example of what is not a traditional politician.  In addition, he has good virtues to make a good leader for the country.  Puno is committed to principles, clean, and a Christian.  Tayag also added that the country needed a leader with moral integrity.

However, Puno is not interested in joining the executive branch.  Aside from Tayag, Deputy Secretary General Christine Machabetcha of Southern Tagalog Chapter of the Bagong Alyasang Makabayan and other militant groups in the region supported Puno in his call for morality in the government.  She said that if it was true the Puno’s impeachment was being planned, the group will conduct campaign to support him.  Protest actions would be held in schools, communities, factories, and farm lands. 

A group called itself the Artists’ Reponse to the Call for Social Change and Transformation or Artists’ Arrest also expressed its full support for the Chief Justice Puno.