The fact remains that even if Erap files a certificate of candidacy in the Comelec, his candidacy is constitutionally prohibited. No amount of legal hair-splitting will overthrow the constitutional prohibition. There are two theories advanced by Erap’s allegedly bright legal luminaries which I am going to discuss in my humble view, thus:

First, Erap contends that the constitutional prohibition refers only to the “sitting” president. I say, our Supreme Court is guided by the Rules on Statutory Construction in interpreting and applying the constitution or any law for that matter. Thus, “When the law is clear and unambiguous, there is no room for further construction, The constitutional proscription mentions only the term “president”. Furthermore, “When the law does not distinguish, the courts should not distinguish.” Still another rule on Statutory Construction says that, “Expressio unius est exclusion ulterius.” In other words, in the case of a prohibitive law which in this case specifically mentions an exclusion, there should be no additional exclusion. Otherwise, the court would be circumventing the constitution by affixing or adding an adjective to the term “president” and that would be tantamount to an illegal amendment to our constitution.

Second, Erap contends that his pardon does not carry a perpetual disqualification to run for public office and that such right is embodied under the Bill of Rights of the Constitution. I say, it’s a bright idea yet devoid of merit! Erap’s case is a novel one that is; no court jurisprudence has been rendered yet. As such, the rights of an individual must be tempered with the rights of the people affected. To put it bluntly, when the rights of an individual classes with PUBLIC WELFARE; the latter should prevail. WHY? Because Erap is an UNREPENTANT EX-CON PLUNDERER! Despite of the voluminous evidence and testimonies that led to his conviction, he still continues to profess his innocence. And, his primordial consideration in running again for president is for VENDICATION; THIS IS CHILLING. Foremost that should be in the minds of our Supreme Justices is, “Should we give this man, a chance to be a RECIDIVIST to the ultimate peril of the people?”

Erap and Jinggoy is quick to label Lacson as “walang utang ng loob.” If there is the most “walang utang na loob” official in the world it is Erap and Jinggoy themselves. Come to think of it, Erap and Jalosjos both committed heinous crimes. Yet, Jalosjos served his time completely despite of his protestations. Si Erap ni hindi nakatikim ng “Munti” kahit isang araw. Nagpahinga lang yan sa kanyang rest house sa Tagaytay at patagay-tagay si tatay. Yet, the glaring fact is that Jalosjos only committed a crime against one invidividual but Erap committed a crime against the whole nation! At ang pinakamasaklap, si Erap pinatawad!!!

Be that as it may, personally, I’d rather see Erap run this coming election. The reason is that I don’t want to take a very rare opportunity for the poor electorate to partake of Erap’s loot kahit pabigasbigas at panoodles-noodles lang. Tiyak namang di mananalo yan. Matalino na ang mga voters ngayon. ALAM NA NILANG KAININ ANG PAIN MO AT ILULUWA ANG TAGA MO ERAP!!!