MANILA, Philippines - Former president Joseph Estrada admitted Thursday that he is one of the lowest spenders among the current crop of presidential candidates because of lack of contributions to his campaign.

In an interview, Estrada said he has received only a few campaign contributions from businessmen who remained loyal to him after his ouster in 2001. He said that instead of spending on TV ads, he is opting to spend more on radio ads because they are cheaper.

"Dinadaan ko na lang sa sipag. I'm trying to reach out to as many people as I can. 'Yun ang panlaban ko ngayon. Baka daanin ko sa radio ads, mahal kasi sa TV," said Estrada.

A Philippine Center for Investigative Journalism report earlier said the former president spent about P41.5 million on ads from November 2009 to January 2010. This was far less than the amounts spent by other candidates such as Bangon Pilipinas standard bearer Bro. Eddie Villanueva (P44.1 million), Sen. Richard Gordon (P119 million), Sen. Benigno "Noynoy" Aquino III (P127 million), former Defense Secretary Gilbert Teodoro (P184 million) and Nacionalista Party standard bearer Sen. Manny Villar (P475.4 million).

Estrada said he is averse about spending all of his money, including his earnings as a former movie actor and producer, for the campaign.

His son, re-electionist Sen. Jose "Jinggoy" Estrada, said his father's low ratings in the presidential surveys could also have an effect on his campaign donations. Estrada is currently ranked third behind Aquino and Villar in the latest pre-election surveys conducted by Social Weather Stations and Pulse Asia.

"Yes, we can attribute it to that. We are lagging behind in the surveys. Once our ratings improve I am confident na marami na ang mag-co-contribute," the senator said.

The former president, meanwhile, said he has no plans to drop out of the presidential election.

He said that if he wins the presidential election, he will have no problem if President Arroyo becomes Speaker of the House of Representatives. Arroyo replaced Estrada as president after a four-day bloodless revolt in 2001. She is currently running for congresswoman of Pampanga's 2nd district.

"Kung siya ang iboboto ng mga congressmen, [it's OK]. But what I can't promise is pag may cases filed against her...I won't lift a finger but it will be up to the judiciary to apply the due process of the law. Hindi ako makikialam diyan," he said.