Estrada turned off by Noynoy's ‘elitist’ backers

Former President Joseph Estrada on Thursday said he is not keen on supporting the candidacy of Senator Benigno Simeon “Noynoy" Aquino III despite an appeal from the Liberal Party. "(I do not like) the conspiracy of this elitist, so-called civil society. And Noynoy is surrounded by these people (who) I can't get along with," he said in an interview on GMA News' "24 Oras." He added that he does not like the idea of "these people" dictating Filipinos who to vote for as president in next year's elections. "I don’t believe that these people have (the) right to dictate to Filipinos who they like as president," he said.

Earlier in the day, LP chairman Franklin Drilon appealed to Estrada to drop his presidential ambition and instead endorse Aquino "without any conditions." Estrada had earlier said he is “99.9 percent" sure to seek re-election next year despite questions of its legality. He said he would only back out of the presidential race if the opposition could pick a single standard bearer to go against the administration’s bet. Aquino's mother, the late President Corazon Aquino, was among those who called for Estrada's resignation in 2001 following accusations of corruption. Estrada was eventually convicted of plunder by the Sandiganbayan but given pardon by the Arroyo administration. Although unwilling to support Aquino, Estrada said the senator has an “unquestionable integrity." Aquino announced his candidacy for 2010 Wednesday following days of “spiritual retreat." Drilon clarified that their appeal is not an imposition to Estrada. "We are not imposing. We are in no position to impose as they may have their own agenda. There is nothing wrong in making an appeal," he said. Drilon was optimistic for a unified opposition despite the number of presidential aspirants in its ranks, among them Senators Manuel Villar Jr., Francis Escudero, Loren Legarda and Ma. Ana Consuelo “Jamby" Madrigal. - GMANews.TV