Estrada likely to back Legarda in 2010
By Thea Alberto
INQUIRER.net
First Posted 14:24:00 01/06/2009
Filed Under: Politics, Eleksyon 2010, Elections
MANILA, Philippines -- Former president Joseph Estrada has yet to choose whom to endorse for the 2010 presidential elections but said he was likely to endorse Senator Loren Legarda -- if she would top the surveys.
Estrada said Tuesday that Legarda has a good public service record and was capable, although he disclosed in previous interviews that he might also consider other presidential candidates from the United Opposition like Makati Mayor Jejomar Binay, who announced his candidacy for 2010.
"She has the capability. With her experience as a senator, I think she's grounded to become chief executive of the country," Estrada told reporters after his outreach at the Ramon Magsaysay High School in Manila.
Estrada said if Legarda would top the surveys, "she has a very good chance of becoming our nominated [candidate for the] opposition."
However, Estrada laughed off reports of his alleged possible team-up with Mike Velarde, the leader of influential religious group El Shaddai in the 2010 elections.
"That's impossible. I don't know anything about it," said Estrada when asked for his reaction about a report that quoted a source from the Senate.
The report said it was former trade secretary Jose Pardo who supposedly brought up the idea, an accusation the former Cabinet member denied.
"I was surprised lalo na sinabi pa yung pangalan ni Secretary Pardo [especially when the name of Secretary Pardo was mentioned]. He never involved himself in politics kaya that's impossible," said Estrada.
Estrada also dismissed allegations that he was campaigning early through his outreach projects.
"Ginagawa ko naman ito taun-taon [I've been doing this every year], even before I became President and even when I was President, and even when I was behind bars," said Estrada.
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