‘Erap’ Ineligible for 2010 Run

The Manila Times is reporting that Justice Secretary Raul Gonzalez has deemed former President Joseph “Erap” Estrada ineligible to run for president again in 2010.

Gonzalez on Thursday explained that if Estrada joins the race to Malacañang two years from now, he would be a violating a provision of the Constitution that prohibits a president to run for reelection.

The Constitutional provision in question is Article VII Section 4 which states: “The President shall not be eligible for re-election.”

Gonzalez contends that under the Constitution, Estrada’s abbreviated term would be considered a full term because he served for over two years. After review of the Constitution, this provision could not be found. Please comment if you are able to find the aforementioned provision, so that this post can be edited.

Binay Announces 2010 Presidential Bid

The Manila Times has reported that Makati City Mayor Jejomar Binay, also the leader of the United Opposition, has officially announced his candidacy for the 2010 Philippine presidential elections. Former President and prominent Opposition figure Joseph Estrada has approved of Binay’s decision to run for the privelege of being named the Opposition standard-bearer. Binay’s followers have started describing Binay as the “Obama of the Philippines,” alluding to the recent election of President-elect Barack Obama in the United States.

In the latest Pulse Asia 2010 election poll, dating back to July 2008, Binay finished in 8th place, capturing 2% of likely voters.