MANILA, Philippines -- Surprised with Senator Ma. Ana Consuelo Madrigal?s declaration that she would run for president in 2010, former President Joseph Estrada advised the lawmaker to first get the pulse of the people before plunging into the fray.
?This comes as a surprise because this is the first time we have heard Senator Jamby make such declaration with serious intentions,? Estrada?s spokesperson, Margaux Salcedo, said in a text message.
Nonetheless, the deposed leader welcomes Madrigal announcement, as she has proven to be a staunch oppositionist in the political arena, Salcedo said.
Madrigal belongs to the Partido ng Masang Pilipino (PMP) party of Estrada.
A piece of advice from the former President, who has endeared himself with the ?masa? (grassroots) since he entered politics as a mayor, is for Madrigal to begin going around the country like other potential presidential candidates ? Senator Francis Escudero, Senator Loren
Legarda, and Makati Mayor Jejomar Binay.
Estrada is also said to be eyeing a comeback in politics by running for president in May 2010, saying he is still qualified to run because he did not complete his first term in 1998.
?(She should) feel the pulse of the people to aid her in deciding later on whether to ultimately pursue this decision,? Salcedo said, referring to Madrigal.
Estrada was ousted by a people?s revolt in January 2001 and was succeeded by President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, his then vice president. He was convicted by the Sandiganbayan anti-graft court of plunder but was pardoned by Arroyo in October 2007.
Earlier, he said he might consider offering himself as the opposition party?s standard-bearer if it fails to unite behind one candidate in 2010.
Meanwhile, the ruling administration party Lakas-Kampi said everyone was free to run for president next year.
?It?s a free country. I believe she has assessed her chances before she made her decision. She is an accomplished senator. We wish her the best of luck,? said Ray Roquero, the party?s deputy secretary general.
