Press Release
August 9, 2009

PIMENTEL DENIES HE URGED ERAP TO WITHDRAW
FROM PRESIDENTIAL RACE

Senate Minority Leader Aquilino Q. Pimentel, Jr. (PDP Laban) categorically denied a newspaper story (in the Manila Times issue of Sunday, August 8) that he has urged former President Joseph to withdraw and give way to other presidential aspirants from the opposition.

The senator from Mindanao said that what he actually said at the media forum at the Sulo Hotel Saturday was that Estrada was determined to run for president in his desire for political vindication despite the possibility that he might face a disqualification case before the Commission on Elections and the Supreme Court.

The following was the exact statement of Pimentel on the Estrada presidential bid:

"In my view, he (Estrada) will also probably run despite knowing the possibility he may be disqualified. That is a distinct possibility. If I could fathom the motive of Erap for running, I think he wants a final vindication that what they did to him was not right.

"The people still love him. That is manifest. I think he does not have to prove that through an election. Everytime he goes to the provinces, he is mobbed by the people. He is the only presidential aspirant today who is attracting the crowds. The big 'but' is the possibility that upon filing his certificate of candidacy, his eligibility to run for president will immediately be challenged before the Supreme Court. And considering the complexion of the present membership of the Supreme Court, he just may be disqualified.

"Because of this, the vice presidential bet of Erap should be very capable. Very likely, he will throw his support to one of the presidential bets."

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