The political opposition will be facing a major debacle if ever it chooses ousted
President Joseph Estrada as its standard bearer in the 2010 presidential elections.
This was the assessment of Justice Secretary Raul M. Gonzalez, Sr. amid reports that preparations are underway for the ousted president's candidacy this forthcoming 2010 elections.
A former movie actor who rose to local and national politics, Estrada clinched the presidency in 1998 with the widest margin of votes, only to be ousted two years later amid accusations of rampant graft and corruption under his leadership.
He was succeeded in January 2001 by President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo who was then the incumbent vice-president.
Estrada was tried and convicted by the Sandiganbayan on charges of plunder but President Macapagal-Arroyo granted him a presidential pardon in the spirit national unity and reconcialiation.
According to Gonzalez, the 1987 Constitution explicitly provides that a former president of the country is barred to seek re-election of the same post.
The DOJ chief added that the term of office of Estrada was considered "completed" because of his ouster from power and the plunder charges of which he was convicted with finality.
Gonzalez pointed out that the opposition should first resolve the issue of legality of the candidacy of Estrada before he makes a comeback in the political limelight.
At the same time, Gonzalez clarified that the administration remains unperturbed and unaffected assuming that Estrada will attempt to take a second shot to the presidency in the elections. - PNA
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