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Manila: Former Philippine president Joseph Estrada said he would run for the presidency in 2010 "as a last option" if the opposition does not close ranks to take on the ruling party led by President Gloria Arroyo.
In a television interview, Estrada said, "If the opposition does not unite, I will run. That's my last option. If they don't unite, I will run."
Clemency
Estrada had last year been granted a pardon by President Gloria Arroyo following his conviction by an anti-graft court but on the condition that he would not seek public office. He had turned 70 at the time and Arroyo gave him the benefit of a Philippine law that allows prisoners who reach 70 to be freed.
Estrada was ousted by a military-backed revolt in 2001 that was launched by people who were dismayed by the abrupt ending of his impeachment trial at the Senate in late 2000.
Estrada is the titular head of the opposition.
Denial
The television interview also saw Estrada denying allegations that he had caused a schism in the opposition by playing a major role in the ouster of opposition senator Manuel Villar as president of the Senate last Monday.
Estrada's son Senate Pro-Tempore Jose "Jinggoy" Estrada voted for pro-administration senator Juan Ponce Enrile as the next Senate president. Seven opposition senators known to have close ties to Estrada also voted for Enrile.
A political analyst said the election was strong proof that Arroyo enjoyed a majority in the Senate with the tacit support of some sections of the opposition.
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