Lawyers to Erap: ‘Your reelection bid is illegal’

In a forum attended by former President Joseph “Erap" Estrada himself, lawyers voted Wednesday against his plan to run again for the country’s top post in the 2010 elections. Estrada surprised participants of a debate on the legality of his plan to join next year’s presidential race when he showed up and participated in the event in San Juan. However, his presence failed to sway the lawyers’ vote in favor of his reelection. Eighteen of the 30 lawyers who attended the forum said Estrada cannot run again for president in 2010, because the Constitution clearly prohibits ex-presidents to seek reelection. Seven lawyers agreed with the legality of Estrada’s reelection bid, while three said they were undecided.
For the latest Philippine news stories and videos, visit GMANews.TV Election lawyer Romulo Macalintal argued against Estrada’s reelection, saying that the former president had clearly resigned after the EDSA 2 popular uprising in 2001, thus making him ineligible for reelection. Macalintal cited a Supreme Court ruling in March 2001 saying that Estrada “constructively left" Malacañang, thus allowing then Vice President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo to assume the presidency. He added that Estrada’s expressed desire to clear his name and his appeal to followers to support the Arroyo administration were sure indications of his resignation. After Estrada’s ouster, Arroyo continued his unfinished term and was eventually elected in 2004 for another six years as president. When Estrada tried to rebut Macalintal’s arguments, the election lawyer urged the former president to respect the constitutional provision disbarring his reelection. "The Constitution is clear. Kailangan pa bang i-memorize yan? (Does that point still need to be memorized?)" Macalintal said, invoking a catchphrase popularized by a radio station. Section 4 of Article VII in the Constitution says that “(the) President shall not be eligible for any re-election. No person who has succeeded as President and has served as such for more than four years shall be qualified for election to the same office at any time." - Andreo C. Calonzo, GMANews.TV