Santiago on Estrada 2016 bid: Legally OK, but morally…

Video by Aries Joseph Hegina/INQUIRER.net

MANILA, Philippines–Senator Miriam Defensor-Santiago on Thursday warned former President and now Manila Mayor Joseph Estrada of the perils ahead if he seeks a government post in 2016.

Although the Supreme Court has already ruled in favor of Estrada, which allows him to run for government office, his “moral character” will be attacked by his political opponents, Santiago said when asked to comment at the sidelines of her meet-and-greet with fans of her “Stupid is Forever” book in Makati City.

“Sa question na pambatas, sinabi ng Korte Suprema na walang makakahadlang sa kanya. Legally, there is no more obstacle to his seeking the presidency,” Santiago said.

“Well, if you raise the question (legality of Estrada’s 2016 bid) to another environment, for example in the moral sphere, then his enemies will have a field day dissecting his moral character,” Santiago added.

Aside from the question of morality, Santiago said the health of possible presidential candidates should also be considered.

“Most of the people running for the presidency are already senior citizens. Whether we like it or not, health will be a very big factor,” she said.

The Supreme Court on Wednesday upheld an earlier decision of the Commission on Elections allowing Estrada to run for city mayor based on the absolute nature of the pardon given to him by former President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo. Right after the release of the high court’s ruling, Estrada said he might run for a “higher government post” in 2016 should there be a clamor for it.