MANILA, May 19, 2009-The head of the Catholic bishops' leadership called on deposed President Joseph Estrada to retire from politics and give others a chance to lead the country.
Catholic Bishops' Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) president Archbishop Angel Lagdameo said Estrada must give way to more capable candidates by not joining the presidential race in 2010.
Lagdameo was reacting to reports that Estrada can and may still run in next year's polls.
"Be like Presidents Cory Aquino and Fidel Ramos who will act as a kind of adviser and even 'tutor' to the newly elected president. This is a very rare and extraordinary office and he has already tested it," Lagdameo said.
Estrada earlier said he will run if the opposition fails to field a single candidate in next year's elections.
Estrada was accused of embezzling millions of pesos before he was forced from office in an army-backed revolt in 2001. He was found guilty of plunder but was granted pardon by the Arroyo Administration. (Roy Lagarde)