MANILA Philippine President Joseph Estrada, facing impeachment charges for allegedly taking bribes from gamblers, suggested on Sunday he might agree to a snap presidential election if there was public support.
He also called on the armed forces to repel any group that might try to grab power as the country struggles through its worst political crisis in his 28 months in power.
"That (snap poll) is constitutionally impossible but if they want, it would be better if there will be a snap election," Estrada told reporters when asked about a proposal in the Senate for an emergency election.
"It will be up to the people to judge," Estrada said.
The Philippines last held a snap election in 1986 when dictator Ferdinand Marcos sought a fresh mandate. Allegations of massive poll fraud sparked the "people power" revolution of street protests that toppled his 20-year regime.
Ruling coalition Senator Juan Ponce Enrile last week filed a resolution in the Senate proposing a snap election to end the political turmoil triggered by accusations Estrada received 414 million pesos ($8.7 million) in bribes from gambling syndicates.
Estrada has denied the allegations and vowed to fight the impeachment case filed against him by an opposition-led minority in the House of Representatives. He had refused to step down.
The Constitution provides for special elections in case of simultaneous vacancies in the presidency and vice presidency but does not provide for a snap presidential election in case of a political crisis.
Some politicians and Estrada's aides have questioned the legality of holding such a poll.
Bury the Hatchet Speaking to soldiers at army headquarters, Estrada said the Philippines was facing serious economic problems and urged his opponents to "set aside political partisanship and vested interests".
"In other countries, people would forget their differences in times of great stress, in times they are confronted with problems and difficulties," he said. "I believe we must do the same now." Estrada also accused his political foes of having ambitions of power by linking him to gambling syndicates and calling for his resignation.
"They only act to suit their own purpose and interest and only to grab power without thinking of the country as a whole," he said.
There has been no visible sign of cracks in the armed forces' support for Estrada but Enrile said on Saturday a prolonged political crisis could invite military intervention.
"I ask you to join me in preserving the integrity of our constitution and to reject the selfish motives of those who seek to violate its sanctity for their own political and personal interests," Estrada said.
"Your loyalty allegiance must be first and foremost to the Constitution." The bribery scandal has sparked almost daily street protests against Estrada and calls for him to step down. It has also savaged financial markets.
"There are some people who are saying I am about to resign from (my) position. There are those who want to impeach me and others who say I should take a vacation... My advice to them is maybe they should be the ones to go on vacation," Estrada said.
(Reuter)