If President Arroyo is toppled by people power revolution, the country might find itself being led again by a leader who was removed from office due to allegations of corruption and who had been convicted of plunder.
Former president Joseph Estrada said on Saturday he is willing to lead the country again if the present clamor for a change in leadership would result to the ouster of Mrs. Arroyo.
He, however, clarified that he would only do so if the people want him to head the country again.
"If I’ll be given the chance, it will be my legacy and final salute to the Filipino people," he said.
Estrada had earlier refused to give a definite position on the 2010 presidential elections but had signified his willingness to run again for the country's top post if the opposition bloc could not agree on a unified candidate.
Be the people's "protector"
Estrada on Saturday appealed to the military to fulfill its constitutional mandate as "protector" of the people.
"I call on all sectors especially the men in uniform to heed the call of the people pursuant to their constitutional role as protector of the sovereign people," Estrada said during his visit to Baguio City.
Estrada, along with Makati City Mayor Jejomar Binay, president of the United Opposition, went to Baguio City to attend the annual Panagbenga or Flower Festival.
Despite his call to the military, the former president said he would not join the planned rallies on Monday for the 22nd anniversary of the EDSA People Power 1.
He said he does not believe in mass actions to change the country’s leadership because he had been a victim of one.
In 2001, Estrada was ousted by series of protest actions after his impeachment trial was stopped at the Senate, leading to EDSA People Power 2. A key role was played by the military in his ouster after the military leadership withdrew its support to Estrada.
Estrada’s eventual ouster catapulted his then vice president Gloria Arroyo to the presidency.
Estrada would later be detained while undergoing trial for plunder charges. After more than six years the Sandiganbayan convicted him of plunder. President Arroyo however granted him executive clemency.
2010 presidential candidate?
Estrada however remains popular among the masses.
After his release from detention he has gone on a "Lakbay Pasasalamat" going to areas in Metro Manila and other key cities where he has been welcomed by throngs.
He said he wants to thank his followers for their continuing support even when he was still detained.
Others believe however his ongoing nationwide tour was designed to test the people’s receptivity to his possible candidacy in the 2010 presidential race