Joseph Erap Estrada back in Malacanang today

On January 20, 2001, Joseph Erap Estrada left his post as the 13th President of the Philippines. This is after the Armed Forces leadership withdrew its support from him, as well as the National Police support.

Four days earlier which is Jan. 16, huge crowd of Filipinos started converging at the EDSA Shrine when the allies of Erap at the Senate voted not to open a controversial envelope allegedly containing information on his alleged illegal wealth.

After almost nine years, Erap is back in Malacanang today but not as a president. Instead, the former president was invited by President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo to attend the National Security Council (NSC) meeting.

This will focus on the national security situation, measures to address private armed groups and loose firearms, and to discuss peace and order issues for the upcoming automated elections this coming May 2010.

Among also invited were Vice-President Noli De Castro, Senate President Juan Ponce Enrile, and former president Fidel Ramos but cannot come according to his spokesman Ed Malay.

"I would say that I am glad I was invited to give few of my advice to help solve some of our pressing problems especially regarding peace and order," as Erap told reporters in an ambush interview before the meeting.

Estrada said many memories have flashed back in his mind but he was not so excited about his visit.

When asked if he felt he would be back in Malacañang this year as the new president, he replied: "That’s destiny."

Meanwhile, Erap is running again for president under the Pwersa ng Masang Pilipino party, with Makati Mayor Jejomar Binay as his vice presidential candidate.

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Philippine Election 2010 Period Rules to start on January 10
Sexbomb dancers in Automated Election 2010 Instruction Video
How to Vote this coming Philippine Automated Election 2010
Philippine Election 2010 Special Registration and How to Verify Online
President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo will run for Congress in 2010 election

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