Erap launches JEEP movement in Bicol

LEGAZPI CITY, Philippines – Ousted President Joseph Ejercito “Erap" Estrada, along with his national and political leaders, started visiting towns in Albay and Camarines Sur provinces on Friday in what was seen as a trial balloon on his plan to run again for president in 2010. Estrada said his provincial tour was meant to thank Bicolanos for the support they've shown to him during the “gloomy years" when he was under detention while on trial for the crime of plunder. He said, however, that the big number of people who came to see him at the airport — some waving "Erap pa rin kami" placards — made him feel very happy because it proved he is still loved by his supporters. From the airport, Estrada boarded his modern and air-conditioned jeepney on the way to the provincial capital where he made his courtesy call with Albay Governor Joey Sarte Salceda. Salceda was asked if he would support the “Erap in 2010" campaign being pushed by Estrada supporters. He said Estrada’s presence in Bicol “is part of a national campaign and very much political and partisan but democracy has enough space for civility and friendships." At the airport in Legazpi City, one of Estrada’s leaders, Horacio “Boy" Morales, launched the JEEP (Justice for Economy, Environment and Peace) movement, which will be the vehicle to carry Estrada’s political platform. Morales, a-technocrat-turned-communist-rebel in his younger years and a Cabinet member in Estrada’s short-lived presidency, said Estrada is the only person who is qualified and could bring change and progress in the country. Estrada has said he would run in 2010 should the political opposition fail to coalesce and field a single presidential team. Estrada and some lawyers and politicians supportive of him claim he could run in 2010 since his term (1988-2004) was aborted through illegal means. Estrada was forced to leave Malacaňang Palace in January 2001, halfway through his six-year-term, when then Armed Forces chief of staff Gen. Angelo Reyes and Defense Secretary Orlando Mercado defected to the growing crowd of protesters at EDSA. People took to the streets when Estrada’s allies in the Senate majority blocked the opening of an envelope that was supposed to evidence of Estrada’s alleged illegal financial deals during the impeachment hearing against him. The Philippine Constitution of 1987 provides that a Filipino citizen can only serve a single-six year presidential term. - Michael B. Jaucian, GMA News