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Estrada bares 8 opposition senatorial bets for 2010

By Jocelyn Uy
Philippine Daily Inquirer

MANILA, Philippines—Two of his own sons are on the opposition senatorial slate former President Joseph Estrada bared Sunday among eight probable candidates with “unblemished” records who might run under the opposition banner in 2010.

Former Sen. Sergio Osmeña III was on top of the list, he said, followed by opposition spokesperson Adel Tamano, Bukidnon Rep. Teofisto Guingona III, Iloilo Rep. Rolex Suplico, broadcaster and former Leyte Rep. Ted Failon and Parañaque Rep. Roilo Golez.

“These are people who are clean to the letter. But this is not definite. Anything can change,” Estrada told the Philippine Daily Inquirer by phone Sunday.

“The opposition is anticorruption. So it is important our candidates are not involved in any anomalies in the government,” said Estrada, who was convicted of plunder by the Sandiganbayan last year but managed to escape imprisonment when he was immediately pardoned by President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo.

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