COTABATO CITY, Philippines?Joseph Estrada said on Friday he?s willing to take his oath before any chief justice, even one appointed by President Macapagal-Arroyo, during a period that many believe is covered by a ban on presidential "midnight appointments."

Estrada, who is again running for President almost a decade after he was forced out from Malacañang, indicated his disagreement with a group?s call for all presidential candidates not to recognize a chief justice appointed by Ms Arroyo before her term officially comes to an end on June 30.

?If it?s according to the Constitution, what can we do?? Estrada told the Inquirer on the phone. He and other candidates of the Puwersa ng Masang Pilipino are scheduled to campaign in this city and General Santos City over the weekend.

Estrada was sought for comment on the call made by Bantay Korte Suprema that presidential candidates enter into a covenant that they wouldn?t recognize a chief justice that Ms Arroyo would appoint between now and when her term ends.

Asked whether he?d be willing to take his oath before a chief justice appointed by Ms Arroyo, Estrada said: ?E, kanino ako susumpa? Siyempre sa incumbent chief justice (Before whom should I take my oath? Before the incumbent chief justice, of course.)?