Character actor Rez Cortez claims that the movie industry will support former president Joseph "Erap" Estrada's second run for presidency.
Rez told PEP (Philippine Entertainment Portal) in the second ANC Leadership Forum held at UP Diliman last June 5, that the Actor's Guild and the Film Academy of the Philippines both support Estrada.
"Nagkakaisa ang movie industry para kay Erap," explained Rez. "Yung mga taga-Actor's Guild tulad ni Phillip Salvador, na siyang pangulo namin sa Actor's Guild, sinusuportahan din si Erap. At ang mga officers ng Film Academy of the Philippines, yung mga guilds, alam ko sinuportahan din si Erap."
He still does not know, however, who Estrada's running mate will be, nor any celebrity who has expressed interest in joining his senatorial lineup. Rez said he himself will not run for any position.
But Rez heads the Fernando Poe Jr. Movement for Truth and Democracy (FPJTMD), which is composed of supporters of the late actor and 2004 presidential candidate. The Movement is currently leading a signature campaign called "Erap 2010" to convince Estrada to run again.
"We [FPJMTD] put up yung 'Erap 2010' because we like him to run for president again this coming election, at naniniwala kami na dun sa sinabi niya na tatakbo siya kung hindi mag-unite ang opposition. Parang survey na rin yun para malaman, sino-sino ba ang gustong tumakbo pa si Erap," explained Rez.
ERAP TOUR. Rez said their group accompanies Estrada around the country to feel the pulse of the Filipino masses. Estrada started the tour, which he dubbed "Lakbay Pasasalamat," last year.
"Umiikot na siya since last year pero hindi sa pagkakandidato niya kundi yun ang pangako niya na paglabas niya sa kulungan pupunta siya sa mga probinsya at magpapasalamat," said Rez. "Dun na-feel namin na gusto siya ng taumbayan. Yung tao talaga ang nagsasabi na tumakbo siya."
Rez also answered allegations made by the former election lawyer of President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo that Estrada cannot run as a reelectionist president because it is prohibited by the Constitution.
Sec. 4, Article VII of the 1987 Constitution states that:
"The President shall not be eligible for any reelection. No person who has succeeded as President and has served as such for more than four years shall be qualified for election to the same office at any time."
Rez said, "Naniniwala kami na hindi siya covered no'n kasi si Erap ay hindi na siya ang 'the President.' Ang ibig sabihin ng 'the President' ay yung incumbent president. Maraming explanation dun sa Constitutional Convention, nandun sa minutes naman yun, na kaya nilagay [the restriction] para the sitting president cannot take advantage of the government resources. Si Erap wala naman siyang access sa government sources dahil hindi na siya ang presidente. Siya ay private citizen."
Estrada served as the President of the Philippines for three years, from his election in 1998 to his ouster in 2001. He was convicted of plunder in September 2007, but was given a pardon by the President a month later.
The character actor said that he will continue to support Estrada's candidacy because he will surely win. Rez, however, guaranteed his fans he will not end his career in showbiz yet.
"Tuloy pa rin ang paggagahasa ko [since he often plays villain roles] at tuloy pa rin ang pakikibaka, tuloy pa rin ang laban para sa katotohanan. Yung last show ko na Totoy Bato [on GMA-7], buti na lang role ko hindi kontrabida. Yung role ko isang mabait na pulis," ended Rez.