Re-runs in 2010?

Joke only. That was what former President Joseph Estrada seemed to be saying when asked to comment on published statements of his son, Senator Jinggoy Estrada, that he is likely to seek the presidency himself in 2010 in case all the other wannabes in the opposition cannot make up their minds and choose one. A laughing Erap told reporters that when he spoke of a “comeback” he was referring to one in the movies so he could start earning money again.

* * *

Still looking mischievous, the former award-winning actor said that he had been out of work for more than six years and therefore needs to make some money now for his living. Later, another footage showed a jubilant Ai-ai de las Alas who had reportedly been told that Erap's first project would be a comedy, and that she might be the leading lady. With all her gums showing, the comedienne expressed how thrilled she would be to co-star with the former president. Looking as if she were about to swoon, the comical Ai-ai also said that if there is a kissing scene, she would probably not be able to sleep.

* * *

Some people who may be able to sleep better after this announcement are those in Malacañang who have been falling all over themselves decrying the statements of Jinggoy, all of them claiming dire consequences in the event that Erap continued with the plan (of Jinggoy?) for him to run. All the king's, or queen's men each had something to say about how illegal such candidacy would be, how it will violate the constitution and the terms of his pardon, and how it is not possible, period.

* * *

But Malacañang's peace may again be disturbed by the next reports saying that other former presidents are also eligible to run again, and against its candidates. The pundits say that one who is really qualified to run again is Cory Aquino, who had not run for reelection after her term, so that she still has another one to claim. I'm sure Tita Cory herself will pooh-pooh that, especially after her recent bout with chest pain and short breath that made her children rush her to the hospital. They also say that another one who may be tempted to run is former President Ramos. E tu Fidel? And what about the one now standing a heartbeat away from GMA, the one named Noli?

* * *

Meanwhile, holding their breaths in the wings as they eye each other sideways, are the other hopefuls like Manny Villar, Mar Roxas, Dick Gordon, Loren Legarda, Ping Lacson, and Chiz Escudero. Assuming the same positions, albeit more covertly are the vice-presidentiables, among whom is Jinggoy Estrada who is said to have started the talk about his father's possible candidacy for this very purpose, and Makati Mayor Jeojomar Binay who must have been itching for the post for a long time now. Where does this leave Bayani Fernando, formerly of Marikina and now of the powerful Metro Manila Development Authority? It's mind-boggling, I tell you.

* * *

As for the vice president most convenient, he has now come up hinting, like the dour Barkis in the book David Copperfield, that he is “willing”. This has set off alarm bells among the intelligentsia and the literati, as well as the well-heeled and the novo riche, who have been insisting that the only reason they don't want to impeach or oust GMA is that they will get stuck with Noli. It's still a long way to 2010, but from all the posturings, you'd think it was already just around the corner.

* * *

I have no love lost for former Congressman Romeo Jalosjos of Zamboanga del Norte, but I think that was a dirty trick they played on him. We all know that months before December, reports had already gone around that he was to be pardoned both for his age and for alleged good behavior in prison. The date had even been published: December 16, just in time for the start of the Aguinaldo or dawn masses for Christmas. And the Prison Chief did let him go, citing authorization. Jalosjos and family and townmates had already celebrated when they were informed that it was all a mistake, there was no pardon and much less, no release order for him. Who's the scapegoat this time?*

back to top