SC junks disqualification bid vs Erap in 2010 polls

The Supreme Court on Tuesday junked a petition seeking to disqualify former President Joseph Estrada from running in next year's presidential elections. Radio dZBB’s Teresa Tavares quoted the High Court decision as saying that it is not the proper forum for the petition but the Commission on Elections (Comelec). The petition was filed last week by a group called Vanguard, reportedly headed by one Elio Mallari, a lawyer. In her report, Tavares quoted Supreme Court deputy spokesperson Gleo Guerra as saying that disqualification cases can only be elevated to the High Court once the Comelec has made a decision on the matter. At present, two petitions to disqualify Estrada from the 2010 presidential race are pending before the Comelec: one filed by Evillo Pormento and another by lawyer Oliver Lozano. Both petitions stated that Estrada could no longer seek reelection since he has already occupied the presidency from 1998 to 2001. Article VII, Section 4 of the 1987 Constitution states that: “The President shall not be eligible for any reelection. 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." But Estrada’s camp repeatedly argued that the provision does not apply to him because he only served two and a half years in office. Estrada, elected in 1998, was forced to step down in January 2001 amid corruption charges. He was convicted of plunder by the Sandiganbayan in September 2007 and was meted reclusion perpetua and disqualified from seeking any public office. He was, however, pardoned by President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo in October 2007. - Andreo Calonzo/RSJ/KBK, GMANews.TV