i TV Pinoy

Source: abs-cbnnews.com

MANILA - A day after declaring his intention to run for president next year, former President Joseph Estrada on Thursday doused questions about his physical capability to run for president again and finish a six-year term in case he wins.

In an interview with ABS-CBN, the 72-year-old deposed leader said he is fit to face the rigors of another campaign.

"Kayang kaya ito sapagkat simula ng ako'y kinulong nila hanggang sa ngayon...kailanman hindi ako nagkakasakit at malusog na malusog ang aking katawan. Nakikita ko na wala akong nararamdaman, parang ang aking pakiramdam, 40 anyos lang ako. Walang problema sa akin kung kalusugan ng katawan ang pag-uusapan," he said in an interview on ABS-CBN morning show "Umagang Kay Ganda."

(I can do it because every since they locked me up till now...I haven't been sick and my body is very healthy. I don't feel sick, I feel like I'm just 40 years old. I have no problem as far as the health of my body is concerned.)

Calling it destiny, Estrada said he is determined to return to Malacañang and will not turn back on his decision to run again.

Asked about funding for his campaign, the former president said he will depend on the support of his friends.

He also downplayed opinions that he is unqualified to run since he had already served as president. He said he will leave it up to the Supreme Court to decide if he will be allowed to run in the 2010 presidential election.

"I consulted legal luminaries, retired Supreme Court justices and deans of law schools and all of them had conducted studies that said I am qualified to run. The no re-election clause [in the Constitution] only covers the incumbent president," he said.

Estrada won the presidency in 1998, but was ousted in a military-backed civilian revolt in January 2001, which led to the assumption of President Arroyo.

Asked who he would consider as his strongest opponent next year, Estrada said Sen. Benigno "Noynoy" Aquino III could be a strong contender because of his strong showing in the latest opinion surveys.

"Sa ngayon ay makikita natin ang ating kaibigang si Noynoy bagamat masasabi ko ang mga survey huwag pagbasehan. Maaga pa. Ang mga pag-iisip ng mga ating mga kababayan ay hindi pa nakafocus sino talagang gusto ihalalal sa 2010," he said.

(Right now, I can say that it is our friend Noynoy although I can say that the surveys shouldn't be the basis. It's too early and the people have yet to make up their minds on who the want to elect come 2010.)

He said he expects the real frontrunners in the presidential race to emerge by February or March next year when the campaign period starts.