Former President Joseph Estrada at the Foreign Correspondents Association of the Philippines
March 13, 2008
Q and A
(Preparing to run again for presidency in the future?)
Despite of my age i still feel young, there are those people who’s in 60s older than me. I have no intention of running now, but want to ensure the unity of the opposition. Its easier for this adm to cheat again thats what happened in 2004 FPJ. I want to have the opposition of one candidate only to ensure the victory of opposition.
(Conditional answer?)
Well, I’ll answer when i think otherwise, maybe election is too far 2 years from now i am not in a position now whether i might change or not.
(Arroyo delivered?)
I think, you just can read in newspaper, tv what the foreign press says where our country today. The performance of our incumbent president.
(Mandate?)
As I’ve said there are already indicators so many people even surveys have lost trust about 75 percent. It’s so hard to govern when people you govern doesn’t trust you
(Resign?)
That’s the only option, to resign. I don’t like to happen to her what happened to me i was unconstitutionally removed.
(Worse of gma crisis is over?)
I don’t believe so the people will continue to rally until they have gotten over the bottom, searching for truth they will not stop. In fact the cbcp president will lead a rally tomorrow, they will not stop.
(Last straw that will break the camel back wil lead to ouster of president?)
Hopefully she will be enlightened…Allow impeachment to…
(what was Present/absent in 2001 that is present or absent in the GMA ouster moves?)
In the first place i was unconstitutional removed. One if voluntary resignation, i never resigned, conviction in impeachment trial, which didn’t happened, they walked out impeachment, incapacitated, death, those 4 grounds were not present when i was removed. No boost to democracy-singapore pres
(Military component is missing factor?)
Yes, that is extra constitutional but i don’t like that to happen to her, if it happened to her well be like banana republic. Constitution should be followed by all rule of law must be followed.
(Unite the opposition in one single candidate, who’s favourite?)
That’s why i won for mayor, senator, vp, president, whoever tops the survey next year or 6 or 9 months election that will be my candidate.
(Backing the most popular candidate?)
Well of course, if he pass my criteria number one, he must be pro-poor. Violence and bloodshed ensued? We never know when, in fact although i could stay in malacanang, bloodshed and violence i don’t …i took a leave of absence i didn’t resign. The sc gave a decision not even in law book or constitution that i constructively resigned. I believe that she voluntarily resign.
(Someone else?)
I don’t want to pre-empt anything, when people are already restless, majority of people are getting hungry i don’t know who’ll lead them.
(Not from you?)
Of course it won’t come from me, I’m suggesting it should not be extra constitutional.
(In case pgma doesn’t resign you’re saying there will be violence?)
Yes or no, it depends on the feeling of people, the restlessness, the military we don’t know what they will what are their plans, it would be the people are already restless, we don’t know when.
(Its near?)
Dami ng nagugutom baka malapit na, so many people are hungry, maybe its near.
(can you say she’s One lucky blank?)
One lucky little girl, because she can still hold some generals.
(Luck will continue in 2010?)
That is a 64 dollar question.
(Are you sure that when we Reach 2010 she will step down with all the charges she maybe facing?)
I just hope that and pray that she voluntarily resign to avoid all these violence and restiveness of our people. I don’t blame her, what happened to me, she’s afraid once she steps down, according to sen. Enrile, headline of phil star, if she gives up, she’s a goner. That’s why she doesn’t like to give up.
(Charter change?)
No more time for that it’s impossible
(why did you Join the rally?)
to represent the masses, i am representing the masses.
(how do you Feel about being with Cory on the stage?)
Up to now, cory is still much respected, edsa 1 restored democracy in our country, that’s why people maintain the respect the former president.
(continue to Join rally?)
If I’m invited.
(All out war against milf?)
Its very wrong, these milf had been there, mnlf and milf had been there in the last 30 years, sincemarcos time, Tripoli agreement, more than 30 yrs, these people are occupying, its about time we assert our authority as govt one flag, one govt, the primary duty of govt territorial integrity must be protected at all cost.
(Proposal to end milf conflict?)
When i was president we are able to overran 46 camps of milf, when i stepped down it was given back to milf, burnham was kidnapped, bosi kidnapped, bombings, kidnappings, i suggest we can renegotiate, in a position of strength give them a stern warning, if they don’t agree then we declare an all out war again. We have protected our territorial integrity. Only country in sea that have this long insurgency. We have to do something already as a country, we are so divided.
(Govt in your opinion is a sell out in this agreement in china, vietnam on spratlys?)
I have not seen the agreement yet, so i cant tell you if its sell out or not.
(did you Talk with some expert about it?)
During my time, we have agreement with asean countries, april 1999, asean china code of conduct, drafted by phil and viet. We’re aggressive in protecting…confidence building measure. It’s important to ensure a peaceful resolution of the…mutually cover all activities. We cant solve the territorial areas of these of spratlys. One area that is most very completely….
(Support the exploration agreement?)
yes Provided the sovereignty will be protected by govt.
(Only in disputed areas?)
Can be all for as long as sovereignty is not sacrificed.
(Growing influence of china in rp?)
they kept transactions secret, they must be transparent in all contracts, they shouldn’t hide, they should
(what can you say that Reds are now elected officials ?)
I’m happy they re participating now in govt. Npa are increasing poverty is increasing, one solution to that, when we negotiate, whatever is demands we will meet halfway, we are pro-poor, not given opportunities in life…extend hand in solving the problem of people within the npa. To surrender to govt
(Film with ai-ai?)
Scripts is underway, finally we’ve agreed, start by May the movie. Finish.
(What kind of film is it?)
It’s a comedy picture, i decided to do poverty all crying i like to see them laugh, its a relief…
(Role?)
Im husband of ai, former ofw.
(Have you seen script?)
Not yet, talent fee, is not yet i told them donated to bantay bata and mowelfund. Signed contract we will be signing it
(Title of film?)
Not yet.
(Pgma to face a plunder case?)
I’ll rather not answer that question
(last time you were with Focap, your statement was used in impeachment trial, how do you feel about that now that you’re facing focap again?)
Thats why i asked for more time for my speech. I feel more right now, i don’t have that problem of always defending the presidency, being a president is so hard, you have to work and think for the 85 million Filipinos, whats right for them. So many problems around the presidency, many people are there, crab mentality todestroy you, media have a spin, only a few, paid mercenary to destroy anyone.
( Are you sorry you met the focap that day?)
No, i’m not sorry because Im telling the thruth, i am transparent. That jueteng money was given to erap muslim youth foundation.
( will you urge GMA to Face focap as well?)
Why not i wil be pleased to be with her together
(US election? Obama or Clinton? Choice?)
That’s hard. President Clinton is also a friend of mine, Filipinos, i don’t know obama, i haven’t met with mrs. Clinton, ambassador…
(Talk to mr. Anwar Ibrahim?)
I congratulated him, he’s a good friend of mine, i want him to win. He’s sincere in serving the peope, i talked to him before when i was vp and his deputy pm. He want jose rizal as the hero not only of rp but also of malay. Thats why i like him.
(If you talk about uniting the opposition, many people regard you as divisive figure especially in the anti-corruption drive, certainly it will make the opposition look bad in their campaign against arroyo since you’ve convicted of corruption, can you unite the opposition, or perhaps to step aside to let someone to take the lead?)
Thats you own opinion i understand the opinion of Filipino people and not my opinion. Nobody tells me to step aside because i believe the Filipino has already acquitted me and i believe that the court that convicted me is a kangaroo court. Because in the first place i was unconstitutionally removed. I never resigned. And this is the first time that this govt put up a special court to convict me. In fact when i stepped down in less than a month, she sent her secretary of justice talked to me to leave the country without charges, on one condition that I sign a paper that I resign as president of RP, twice they offered it to me. I can go to any country of my choice, with no charges filed against me on the condition that i resign in writing, which i rejected twice, if im guilty, i could have accepted it. Because im not guilty im innocent, i preferred to stay to face all these trump up charges hurled against me. That presiding justice when i was convicted in less than a month he was promoted to the SC. That is why i don believe i am guilty.
(For the image of the opposition, it look hypocritical to be hitting arroyo of corruption and yet their leader is someone who’s own reputation with a corruption tag?)
As ive told you the people have already have acquitted me how much more the opposition. In the survey 68 percent believe i am not guilty. Who’s more credible? The people or this kangaroo court?
( So its a popularity contest?)
It’s not a popularity contest. The question was asked to them if they believe if those charges are true, its not a popularity contest. you don’t have to tell me to step aside. Nobody should tell me that.
(will you Run as president or serve the remaining term of office?)
I think about it. but right now i don’t have intention of running. I don’t believe in staying in power for too long. To give the younger leaders to lead this country
(No longer interested to?)
If the people will clamor for it, who am i to turn them down? Going back to his question, its hypocritical to question the corruption of president arroyo.
(Meynard Macaraig: That’s make it a popularity contest?) The question is not about popularity contest, the question is do you believe that former president Estrada is guilty of all those charges, 68 percent doesn’t believe. Are you thinking better of those 68 percent Filipino people?
(you will do Only one film?)
Only one film. I will write a book about my life in tanay.
(Did the fact pgma pardon you, change any political enmity between you and her?)
I have been criticizing her. There are so many senators and opposition leaders criticizing her. In fact i was threatened for criticizing here. In my pardon, my civil and political rights have been fully restored. I can speak up freely…it doesn’t change anything, in fact they threatened to recall my pardon for hitting her.
(will you support filing charges against PGMA?)
Well, i believe that let due process take its course, i shouldn’t be interfering in any case like what they did to me. Put up kangaroo court…all these courts, all over the world, historically is meant to convict.
(for presidentiables, you said you will support the one who will top the survey, What if you top the survey?)
I hope they don’t include my name in the survey
(One single candidate for opposition, what if other opposition doesn’t want?)
Im only one of…i don’t dictate
(Thoughts on transition council?)
It’s also a good thing, as long as the ones who will lead the govt is sincere and honest and put up this country on its feet, radical change, surgical change. The executive, legislative, judiciary, military, church is corrupt, police even the church is being corrupt now. What else. Do we have to really change that even in transition govt i think they have to change these.
(Would like to be part of it?)
If I’m offered, why not, this is twilight of my years, and before i leave or exit i want to do something for our country.
(What about Noli de castro taking over, reminiscent of 2001?)
I would say i have nothing against noli de castro, he’s my friend, my apprehension is that being with pgma for 7 years as vp, i hope that it will not happen, with his association with president, all men around the president will also be with him, there will be no change.
(who do you think has Pro-poor policy among presidentiables?)
I can’t tell you now.
(How about your son?)
I think my son is not yet ripe for the higher position
(If ever you top the survey you believe there’s no legal impediment to run in 2010?)
There’s so many legal matters, but anyway the final arbiter there is the sc. If ever i run, i believe the fate of the presidency should be decided by the people not by 15 man (sc) only.
(what are your Greatest mistakes as president and your best moments in malacanan?)
My book will not sell if i say now.
My best moments in malacanang, personally, whenever get rid of these kidnapping, and carnaping, overran the 46 camps of milf only one left at that time, that is i feel, one of the biggest accomplishments as president when people feel safe in their homes. When we overran milf camps.
The darkest moments when people are rallying against me, great conspiracy businessmen, military including the church, in fact one of the archbishops apologized to me. One of the edsa 2 sen. Villar we are friends now. He went to me and already that’s a sign of apology. One of my even, the former president cory is also edsa 2 we are together now, some senators we are all together now. Some senators regretted it. I feel acquitted because of that.
(Biggest mistake?)
I don’t know if its mistake, i allow congress, i didn’t block proceedings to bring the impeachment trial to the senate. But, unfortunately, arroyo was there, i didn’t block it determine to face it and defend myself, but unfortunately the prosecutors…anyone accused must be given a day in court, but i wasn’t given a day in court. My being ousted has been unconstitutional from the very beginning. Another accomplishment, remove all govt sovereignty on all contracts.
Darkest moment when i became overconfident, i didnt know that many people are conspiring against me. Vice president i trusted her (PGMA), that she is a person to trust i gave her govt portfolio.
(Do you regret trusting her your Vice President?)
Of course, she’s one of the conspirators together with her husband. After one month, she’s thanking the generals. That’s my biggest mistake i trusted people
(Jdv in opposition?)
we’ ll accept him.
(have you already Made up with gma?)
So many ways to trust her. Trust her when ousted. Ive forgiven her. Trust is a different story i should learn from my mistakes.
(do you Miss malacanang?)
Not now,I don’t like to be in her shoes at this time
Ambush interview:
I commissioned a legal team two weeks ago to look if i can still run for the presidency in 2010.
…there are lapses in putting a provision for a vice president. He’s not given one year. In the constitution, if the vp assumes office as president, he or she in less than 4 years he can still run for re-election. In the presidency, there’s a lapse there, that even one year they should not be allowed. He or she will have undue advantage over his opponent.
(Do you still think you can still run?) Why not? Im not a sitting president so i don’t have any undue advantage? That’s very important, having undue advantage against your opponent.
(Commissioning a legal study whether you can still run or not as a president, you still are not closing on the possibility to run completely?) Well it depends on the process. As of now, i don’t have any intention.
(Well its not impossible?)
Vox populi vox dei, the voice of the people is the voice of God. How can i refuse the people if its the voice of God? I only say vox populi, vox dei, the voice of the people is the voice of God . the people expressed their voice thru the ballot, so in all presidential elections i got the biggest margin over my opponent, overwhelmingly the people expressed their voice thru the ballot so that’s the voice of God and yet i was unconstitutionally removed. So that’s why the God is mad, where are we now?
(When did you commission the study?)
Two months ago
(There is also findings you cant run?)
There are but not in writing. Some say i cant run especially justice sec raul Gonzales.
(Why did you ask for that study?)
In order to find out in case…
(If the people chose you in the survey you’ll listen to them?)
I think so
(Landslide in 98 win, its still intact, your constituents who voted for you?)
I supposed so. I was incarcerated, demonized, its not all in the kitchen sink that was thrown in my face, including the toilet bowl, i felt so alone, i don’t know what hit me, that’s why, to find out if i still have the support of the people, i ask my wife to run. And she rejected vehemently, she’s just a doctor, she’s not a politician, she don’t know how to speak in a political rally and so on and so forth. When i told her, if you don’t want to run, let us separate. She got afraid. She was forced to run and she won. This is very first, January 2001, no match time to campaign. So, she won. That’s my consolation. Because if the people believe, that’s the wife of erap, the thief, will we vote for her. No but they still voted for her. And then it was repeated in jinggoy who was my co-accused. He’s out on bail, and i asked him to run for senator, its more difficult for jinggoy. He’s the son of a thief why we should vote for him, we already gave support to her mother so will we support the son? But they voted for him anyway. The first father and son in the senate, so that’s a consolation. If the people don’t believe, will they still vote for us? In the last senatorial elections, i endorsed them (bets) including in TV ads. Only two in administration won.
(Your business in the presidency is quits or you’ll return?)
Its up to the people to say.
(Pardon you cant run?)
No, it restored my civil and political rights
In my opinion, President Erap’s political noise telling people that he might run in 2010 is just political. It’s just a bluff to Malacanang as well as a warning to the opposition presidential candidates to unite. It’s like saying: “If you guys don’t come up with a single candidate, I shall run again.” Erap is right. The only way to defeat the well financed and powerful administration candidates is to have one single opposition candidate. But as in every politics, there are spoilers. It’s easy for Malacanang to put up a couple of opposition candidates to run against one genuine opposition candidate. All Malacanang has to do is to finance these candidates. As for Erap, I know he’s enjoying being a free man and as a civilian. Deep in his heart, I know he wants to retire but only help the opposition.
One of the greatest spoiler is to divide the votes. In 2004 elections, the opposition would have handily defeated madam peddler Macapal Arroyo even with fraudelent votes from ARMM region, had the opposition did not field 2 presidential candidates.
Who’s to blame, Lacson or FPJ? May the opposition not commit the big mistake again. I’m told that the defeat of the opposition was the handy work of Senator Angara and his group that included Tito Soto. Aren’t they with the administration today?
gripe gripe gripe
in this game, there are no losers, only gripers and of course yung mga nadaya….
the opposition cant get their act together period.
for whatever personal, business and other interests, even leaders of the opposition cant get it together kasi puro mandaraya….
for the admin – same thing – mandaraya din – but they were smart enough to play their cards right…(not saying that i agree with them – the results speak for themselves)
TALAGANG BOBO LANG SI ERAP, pure and simple.
Malacanang knows and accept the fact that Erap is one guy hard to deal with. Erap has the support of the masses. While I don’t quite agree with him running again, if it’s necessary that he be the one to unite the opposition and beat the administration candidate, why not? Between Erap and GMA, even Erap’s worst critics and detractors would now pich Erap.
Correction: …would now PICK Erap.
ha ha ha, nakakatawa naman, may amnesia na yata tayo….helllooooo….si ERAP ulit? are you guys serious or nahihibang lang kayo?
masses? what erap has is artista appeal, no more no less. alam na ng pinoy ngayon na walang kwentang pulitiko ang artista, lalo na si erap….
This is what Erap said…”Many including the Civil Society admitted they committed a big mistake in ousting me. Then, why don’t they bring me back?” Doesn’t it sound logical? The only thing that prevents Erap from running is more of legal than moral. Again, I don’t agree with Erap running again in 2010. But if he would be the uniting point and can beat a candidate put up by Malacanang, why now? We don’t want GMA to continue beyond 2010 even if she uses a dummy.
Correction: Why not? At this point, any candidate from the opposition deserves to run against administration candidates. 2010 is the Year of the Opposition.
Baka ikaw ang nahihibang HG, Bakit hindi mo muna paalisin si Lito tinaLAPID sa Senado na walang ginawa sayang lang ang binabayad sa kanya.Si Erap ang kaunaunahang bobo na naging pangulo ng Pilipinas at yan ang ginusto namin mga dukha dahil sa aming kahinaan meron ng kaming taga pagtangol at yan ang hindi matanggap ng matatalino. Dahil sa sobrang katalinuhan ng mga taga Malakanyang patong patong ang mga ginawang kahayupan pati burger naging burjer, patong naging tongpats. Sayang din si FPJ dinaya lang, yan din ang gusto naming mahihirap. Ngayon kay PING LACSON na ako siya lang ang tunay na palaban.
Lito Lapid? Is he still a Senator? At present, he’s in Las Vegas for the Pacquiao fight. Lapid spends more time outside of the country. Don’t believe that he’s always abroad as invited guest and speaker. You may ask how he attends the Senate…he shows up and check the attendance and leaves. If quorum and votes for administration is needed, he is sure in the Senate. No Bill passed. Never speaks in the Senate. Never debates on issues. Doesn’t want to talk to the media. He claims to be a silent worker and publicity shy. He together with Bong Revilla is such a big waste in the Senate.
Lito Lapid and Bong Revilla are the most prominent members of the newly created Comite de Silencio.
As to Erap, let him run in any position except the presidency parang walang question. To the pro-GMA here, let her face Erap as Vice President in 2010. Papitpit ko ang bayag ni FG kapag nanalo si Gloria.
If I were Erap, I would run as Vice President. Erap is not allowed to run again as President according to the Constitution, but he can as Vice.
No offense guys, but DUHHH!!! Erap? For president AGAIN?! Hallleeerrr!!! I’m ready to run as the 1st woman president of our turd world kawntri! Grrrr!
Reyna, it’s just a possibility and option. Whatever one thinks about the guy, he has the right just like the others. The question is if he’s legally allowed to run. Unfortunately, he cannot under our Constitution.
Everytime Erap sneezes, the administration shudder. I, too. There will be more beautiful young Filipina victims lined up on the butcher’s block again.
Make it young happy Filipina victims…
I don’t think Estrada is serious about returning to Malacañang. Gusto lang niya intrigahin ang mga hindi nagkakasundo na oposisyon. Feeling ko he is for Villar na hindi ko nman type. But that’s his right.
I will look for other candidates . More principled. I’m confident if you just allow the process, someone deserving will emerge.
Masakit ata pakinggan ang salitang bobo. Sa atin na pinalad na makapagtapos ng kolehiyo at may masteral o doctoral degree pa, batid natin mga kababayan na wala talagan bobo. Marahil may kahinaan ang iba ng magsalita ng deretsong Ingles o Filipino pero may anking talino naman sa matimatika, sa musika at sa sining. Sabi ng matandang titser ko ng GMRC noong bata pa ako, attitude lang daw ang pagiging bobo. Marahil ay may kahinaang gumana ang ating utak, ngunit kagaya din daw ng mapurol na itak kapag ito ay hinsa, tatalas at tatalas din. Ganyan si Erap at FPJ. Hinubog sila ng eksperyensia kaya natutong harapin ang hamon ng buhay at naging kapakipakinabang pa sila sa mga tao o bayan. Sa isang banda mayroon diyan nakapagtapos ng abogasya, may doktoreyt degree, enhinyero, at nasa kanya na lahat ng talinong masasabi; ngunit ano ang kanyang ginagawa, nangungurakot at unti-unting ibinebenta ang bayan dahil lamang sa kasakiman ng pera. Hindi lahat ay perpekto, si Erap sandamakmak din ang kapalpakang ginawa sa buhay niya; ngunit bakit siya tinatangkilik ng masa. Ito ay dahil sa may nagawa siyang kapakipakinabang para sa kanila. And this is no longer a popularity contest. Aramid ti pakakitaan (Tignan na lang sa gawa).
Between Erap and Arroyo, I’d choose Erap but for him to run for president again, Diyos mahabagin!
God in fact does not bless any country led by a fornicator, and I doubt that Erap has stopped doing that likewise.
I’m not one of those civil society members who helped removed Erap because I prefered removing erring officials by due process, not one run by crooks like Davide and Panganiban, et al, but Erap is for me history. Besides, he is far from helping unite the Filipinos at all with his insistence on being at the helm of the Opposition
Filipinos should in fact stop this kind of adulation especially of one who cannot muster enough force to fight the crooks when they staged their EDSA2. Sa totoo lang nakakadismaya ang pirming ipinapain ang mga mahihirap to glorify him. Sila lang ang lumalabas na kawawa sa totoo lang.
Time for Filipinos to mature politically. Iyan ang dapat na ipairal sa kanila.
Palagay ko naman ka grizzy hindi na tatakbo si Erap. He learned his lessons in the past and he is now resigned to running again for presidency. Sa Bibliya mababasa rin natin na may mga haring naging sexually immoral pero nagbago sila. Look at David and Solomon. Marahil ay nasilaw sila sa kapangyarihan for sometime pero when the Lord has spoken to them they repented and followed God. Naging maunlad din ang bayan at kaharian nila. I would like to believed that Erap has changed, and why not after all the humiliations he experienced. What if he becomes the next President? Susuportahan ba natin siya o patatalskin uli? Is it going to be a case of history repeating itself, installing again what they say an evilbitch?
Inaanyayahan ko po ang lahat na dumalo sa isinasagawang Pagtitipon Para sa Kapayapaan sa Mabuhay, Rotonda. Mabuhay po tayong lahat!
Magkano Jerz?
Paturuan niyo naman sana ang mga binayaran niyong raliyista na sumagot ng maayos. Masyadong halatang bayaran eh!
Sa bagay wala namang magkukusang loob na ipaglaban si Gloria the Evil Bitch!
Erap as a figure head for the opposition is okay with me but to run as President is not acceptable. Let us give other leaders a chance as well. I would like Erap to probably assume a position in the government in line with alleviating the lives of the poor. He will do an excellent job on this.
But Erap is probably testing the waters to see how well the people will receive him again. I am pretty sure that his advicers may have told him that running for the presidency may not be as easy as it was the first time. He may still be popular with the masses but for the elite who have tasted the favors from the Evil Bitch, it will be a hurdle!
erap should retire from politics and rest. it is still awful to see him mobbed by his supporters but that does not mean he can be sure of winning if he runs again for the highest office.
he can do better for the country to find and support a candidate whose name (and reputation) is not blemished by the dirty game of politics. let the new and fresh minds run the affairs in the government.
another thing, he’s already too old and sickly and he should admit it.
PSB,
Erap should stick to his resolve when he was pardoned that he would not meddle anymore in politics. OK pa sa akin if he would help that other son, JV Ejercito, in his political career, for the way I observe it, this guy is far better than Jinggoy as he seems able to stand on his own two feet, not so much as always leaning on the popularity of the father especially as an actor.
He may not be at fault, but evidently, the Pidals have conveniently used him even in trying to split the Opposition into pro-Erap and pro-Civil Society that I don’t believe is Gloria’s mole as maliciously suggested by Erap’s own people.
Magdasal na lang siya ng taimtim sa puso niya. Baka makinig pa ang Diyos sa kaniya.
Mrivera,
Why is it awful may I ask?
Why would it be awful if the masa shows their affection for him?
andres,
my mistake. i should have typed AWESOME.
am just sneaking from my work to join and submit comment.
sorry.
jerz,
puwede bang padalhan mo ako ng round trip ticket sa eroplano at dadalo ako sa rally ninyo? pati pocket money na rin at hotel accommodation kahit sa shangrila lang, ha?
Mrivera,
Haha! Tama ka, padala dapat ng pocket money at hotel para ganahan pumunta sa rally ni Evil Bitch!!!
hehe!
Tara na sa Rotonda, marami daw pera doon. Umaapaw, bumabaha. Kaso bago ka abutan ay pipirma ka muna ng kontrata na maging permanent resident ka raw kinan Taning.
bakit kaya walang coverage ng news sa liwasang binifacio samantalang ang rotonda kinocover ng ABS CBN ANC Channel?
jerz,
marami kami dito sa saudi arabia. kulang ang sampung jumbo jet!
ano, papadala ka? yakang yaka, di ba?
Sa tingin ko lang, mas ok pag kunin ng GMA7 ang pagkakataon na ito na mag cover ng ganun issue. On March 16 may special show ang Gma7 ( 10:30 ng gabi )regarding sa issue ng ZTE.
Lets wait sa next hearing siguro ng Senate pag hindi ito papalabasin ng Anc at Abs. Pero for sure papalabas din nila yan.
OK, good to know Erap’s thoughts on things. Like any citizen, he’s entitled to air what he thinks.
That said, I don’t believe he should run again for president.
Even if the Erap bashers shout to no end that he’s a gonner, the truth is the former president is still one of the most popular political figure, if not the most.
But I would rather have him become a unifier of the opposition than run again for president.
Rally in Liwasan ended at 9:30 p.m. I left at about 8:30 p.m. It was organized by the youth. It was okay considering that this is final exams week.
I don’t understand why people keep raising the issue of morality as if it they are sinless. Even a womanizer or fornicator could be a good leader. Didn’t Bill Clinton perform well as US President even with his Monica? Economy during the Clinton Administration was very good. Give me a world leader who doesn’t have a black spot in his character. One thing that differs Erap from the rest of the hypocrites is that he openly admits to have many women in his life. If his legal wife Loi is still around with him and understands him, who are we to condemn Erap?
Sana po ay forget na lang tayo sa past in Erap. Hindi na po iyan tatakbo bilang Presidente at kung ano pa diyang elected position. Happy na ang lolo na malaman niyang sinusuportahan pa rin siya ng mas nakakarami sa mga kababayan natin. Ipagdasal na lang po natin na sana tuwiran ng magbago ang idol ng masa. Magkaisa sana for the sake of our country dahil mukhang kapit tuko ang nasa trono ngayon.
My position is clear. Erap remains as a civilian and enjoys his remaining years. He can be an opposition leader, a symbol of the opposition and masses…but that’s all. However, let’s not attack his character just to make a point. A good leader is not measured by his fidelity and being religious. A leader might possess many of the vices of that of a normal human being but still can be a good leader. The Bible is clear…all have sinned except Christ. So, who are we to judge Erap?
Tama ka diyan kasamang bitchevil. Who are we to judge Erap. Isn’t Christ came to this world, not for the righteous but, for the sinners. But it is the same Savior who also told us that not unless we are born again by the spirit we shall not enter the kingdom of God. Erap is just one the many sinners saved by the blood of the Lamb.But for a sinner to merit salvation he needs genuine repentance. That is how I look at Erap now, a repentant sinner. Yes with a reformed life style he can be, and he is I believe, a symbol of the opposition. Sana makiisa tayong lahat sa ganyang adhikain at layuning maglingkod ng bayan.
Erap for president again? That is outrageous. Filipinos just deserve better.
But right now, the foremost problem is madam peddler Gloria Macapal Arroyo and her “tongpats” aka “success fee” supporting casts.
If you can remember, the Swiss court forfeited Marcos deposits and did not turn over the 33 billion pesos to Philippine government until it complied with court requirement that it has to be put into benefit of state constituencies by restricting its use by legislative bill. Cleverly, it was designated as Agrarian Reform fund for farmers use and thus the funds were released into Philippine government. COA reported the funds were gone and most were used during 2004 elections without any actual farmers benefits realized. The Filipinos were looted twice, 1st by Marcoses, then 2nd by Arroyos.
Today, the madam peddler is funding american lawyers courtesy of Filipino taxes once again to grab and steal Marcos loot of $23 million USD at Merrill Lynch which US court had awarded to Marcos human rights victims. Madam Arroyo is invoking its sovereign immunity to cheat the rightful claim of the human rights victims.
This madam has virtually no conscience at all. First, she cheated the Filipino farmers in 33 billion pesos. Then today, she will cheat the Marcos human right victims for the $23 million USD.
You can choose to react that way and be outraged. But as I keep pointing out, Erap has the same rights as the others if it’s not against the Constitution. The problem is that it’s against the Constitution to run again as President. Now if you base your opposition on Erap’s character and womanizing, that’s unfair. Being imperfect doesn’t prevent one from becoming a leader. What more do you want from Erap? He admitted his sins and his past flings with women.
Bitchevil, some of Erap’s women are not just flings. He has children with them. You are right, if his real wife is still with him inspite of his womanizing ways, who are we to judge him? But in the highest position of the land, we expect someone who is more upright! This is why we are trying to oust the Evil Bitch. When Erap was in power one of the main issues was his womanizing, that his women were given mansions, businesses etc… Do we really want him back in the palace? He may have his heart for the country but let us just consider him as the FATHER OF THE OPPOSITION! I do not want him back in the presidency. Let us keep searching for the next leader. Quite honestly almost all the possible presidential candidates are not saints either but until we give any of these leaders a chance, we will never know.
My friend, Erap already has those girls and mistresses even before he entered politics. The fact that he was elected as mayor of San Juan for several years, as Senator, Vice-President and winning the Presidency by the largest margin in Philippine history tells us that people do not look at his human weaknesses. What’s more important is the heart and love for the poor.
Let’s turn to Congress and the Senate. Are they clean and holy? In the Senate, some have mistresses and cheat their wives. One who’s married to a celebrity even impregnated a female staff. Yet, they try to display in the public how good they are and how much a family man they are. Hypocrites aren’t they? Erap never denies he has or had women…that he has illegitimate children. People voted for him and accepted him as what he is. In life and relationship, what should accept not only one’s good points but also the bad points. This is not to say that we should also accept this evil woman in the Palace. Erap is no evil while GMA is.
PSB:
The wife is with him because she must have been the typical ever-docile Ilocano wife. I should know. My mother is one faithful wife. Nope, it is not judging. It is stating facts when we say that Erap was engaged in fornication even when he supported his beaus and children by them. Judgment is a prerogative of God above, but you and I and the rest of us have the duty and responsibility to remind one another of what God has commanded us to do. Committing adultery is a grave and serious sin.
The Bible is very explicit on leaders of the nation being upright and obedient to the Commandments of God for a nation to be blessed and be prosperous. Mind you, even in the Land of the Rising Sun, where majority of the people do not even profess to have faith in God, fornication is a big no-no among elected officials here! They can be axed, even terminated for life, when found fooling around. It should be the same especially in supposedly Christian Philippines. Dapat mataas ang moral standard ng mga tao diyan.
My friend, but what you’re saying is from the Land of the Rising Sun. We’re in the Philippines. To say that all Japanese leaders are upright and faithful is like saying everyone is perfect. There are many commandments in the Bible; not just the 10 Commandments. The Book of the Bible is very thick. We can’t expect all to obey the teachings from Genesis to Revelations. What you want to happen is laudable but let’s be real.
Key Hole King at King of the Hard Court lang ang katapat nyan!
Baskyiatbolahin mo lang 😀 😆
Ang hirap sa atin marami diyang nagmamalinis. Sinabi na nga ni Erap na hindi na siya tatakbo sa ano mang posisyon. Kaya laging kinakalkal ang basura ni Erap e marami diyan ang nag-aakala na tatakbo pa rin siya bilang presidente. If ever, bakit nga hindi. But just like any other rational being, Nobody can question his popularity with the masses. But I know Erap would not plunge into a boiling water like an idiot. “Let the sinless one cast the first stone.”
Sabi sa TDT kahapon March 14,2008:
The former president said his top five picks for the opposition’s presidential candidate are: Senate President Manuel Villar, Senators Loren Legarda, Mar Roxas, Francis Escudero, and Panfilo Lacson.
Tatapatan ko na rin ng pili kong kandidato ng El Presidente at B-P, base sa pagbabasa ko ng current events at kasaysayan.
Manny Villar – Bongbong Marcos
Adel Tamano – Mar Roxas III
Loren Legarda – Noynoy Aquino
Chiz Escudero – Ping Lacson
Koko Pimentel – Gilberto Duavit Jr.(GMA7)
Gabby Lopez(ABS-CBN) – Golez
Rolex Sulpico – Pia Cayetano
BF – Jinggoy
Thaksin – Tommy S.
Relly F. – Emily Lau
Anwar Ibrahim – Annette Lu
Rafidah Aziz – Ban Ki Moon
Cocoy – Artsee
Isinama ko na rin yung mga nasa abroad at nakakaimpluwensya sa pang-araw araw na buhay ng GP(Global Pinoy)
Kailangan na mag-invest tayo sa intellectual capital para lalong maging mas malakas pa tayo!
We deserve somebody better than Erap.
‘God in fact does not bless any country led by a fornicator.’
God gave Solomon many wives…
Then who is that somebody better than Erap? Erap should not run; but he should remain as opposition leader and symbol of the opposition and masses. I’m quite consistent with my position. I still think that Erap is only bluffing to scare the stubborn candidates from the opposition who refuse to unite and makes Malacanang panic. Malacanang prefers any other challenger from opposition other than Erap. They fear Erap most. Malacanang money is flowing again. Many Bishops have already received their Easter envelopes. Cardinal Rosales’ Pastoral letter was directed at the opposition and GMA’s detractors. Now, even Cebu Cardinal Vidal appears to be very friendly to Malacanang.
bitchevil,
masdan mo sina cardinal rosales kung paano magbigay ng basbas sa mga tao ng pakurus. di ba’t magkadikit na pabilog ang hintuturo at hinlalaki? ano ang ibig sabihin niyon?
Next to Cardinal Sin, Rosales is the worst Cardinal the country ever had. How Sin benefited so much from Imelda Marcos is how Rosales is benefiting from Arroyo today.
juggernaut,
That is what the middle class and the elite said in 2001. And look who we got, the monster Gloria the Evil Bitch! This is probably the reason why we are suffering right now.
Erap was chosen the Filipino people, and he was removed by the civil society, military, FVR, Cory and Cardinal Sin. We should have respected the voice of the people.
Vox Populi, Vox Dei. The voice of the people is the voice of God.
Whatever you people have against Erap, among all the Presidents from Aquino up to Arroyo, he is the only one who never signed any contract which has a soverein guarantee.
And right after Erap was kicked out of power, the legal team of Gloria Arroyo headed by Nani Perez, reviewed and scrutinized all the documents, MOAs, and all contract that were signed by Erap to see if there is anything anomalous or disadvanageous. They found none.
All the cases against Erap were about jueteng and unexplained wealth, but there is nothing that could be found about graft and corruption which concerns government funds. Not a single member of his official family or cabinet has ever been involved in any graft and corruption cases.
This is a far cry from what we have now in GMA wherein all the members of her family, her cabinet are involved in anomalies and graft and corruption.
Erap is no saint, in fact he has a lot of sins and mistakes. But let us just give credit where it is due.
Buti pa ang bobo di tayo ibinenta bilang isang bayan, di gaya ng ibang naging mga Pangulo.
Sorry sa mga wrong spelling, di ko na na proofread
bitchevil,
idagdag na natin si cebu archbishop cardinal vidal sa liga ng mga prinsipe ng simbahang mas kiling sa ugat ng katiwalian kaysa mga mamamayang sumisigaw ng katarungan at katotohanan.
saan ka ba nakakita sa katulad nitong mga cardinal at obispo nating nagsasabing labanan ang katiwalian sa pamahalaan subalit hindi nila kayang diretsahang sabihin sa panggulong si gloria na harapin ang lahat ng katiwaliang kinasasangkutan at iharap ang dapat managot sa dapat panagutan sa pangunguna ng pakialamerong asawang sugarol at sinungaling?
andres,
Really, we could set our standards higher, somebody better than Erap (no discrimanation intended). But, if the people really want him back, and its the will of the majority, then by all means let us allow him to do so. My point is that we should respect the voice of the people, take responsibility for our choices, and rally behind him/her, stop partisan politics, declare a moratoriun on People Power for at least 10 years and focus on achieving our goals as a nation and as a people.
But, if we have the chance to find one that is a wise choice, with more potential benefits for us than costs, its worth the effort right?
When you say standard is higher, what standard do you mean? One’s standard may be different from another. It is not for us human beings to set standard for ourselves or the others. Moral standard is set by God as written in the Bible. While God is against sinners, He is also quick to forgive. I’m sure that whatever sin Erap has committed in the past and the many women he has had in his life, God has long forgiven him. The issue now is if he’s still capable of leading the country. I can honestly say yes. He has the heart…the love for the people and by the people. Love conquers all. One doesn’t have to be equipped with a high education and English proficiency to be a good leader. After all, Erap has become Mayor for many years, Senator, Vice President, and President until his illegal ouster. What is there for him to prove? All he may want is to help the country in this time of crisis. The guy is 70 years old. He wants to leave a legacy.
bitchevil – totoo ba ang nababasa ko sa post mo na willing kang si erap ang presidente? napaikli yata ng memorya mo. ang bawat katungkulan ay nangangailangan ng kaukulang kakayahan. mahirap pagkatiwalaan ang karpintero na gumawa ng triple bypass surgery sa pasyente. sa gayung pananaw din, mahirap din sa duktor na magbuhos ng porma at maglagay ng rebar sa gusali. Ibang iba ang mundo ng mayor at presidente, napakalaki ang kailangang kakayahan ang kailangan sa pagiging presidente kumpara sa mayor – kaya hayun, kalaboso si erap.
Let me throw the question back to you: What has a highly foreign educated economist done to help the country? We don’t need an English speaking educated person to run the country if she’s corrupt and a liar. I will settle for a stupid one like Erap who is loved by people.
TO ERAP:
MABUHAY KA AND LET’S UNITE TO END THE SUFFERING OF THE FILIPINO PEOPLE! ! !