BY DENNIS GADIL

ORANI, Bataan – Former President Joseph Estrada Wednesday dropped hints that his "anointed" one for 2010 could be Senate President Manuel Villar.

"Hindi muna ako magsasalita kung sino ang kandidato ko, ayaw kong magkamali. Pero may sinabi na ako sa inyo kanina, di ba?" he told a crowd of at least 200 at the Dinalupihan town hall.

Estrada gave lavish praise to Villar for having survived poverty and becoming a successful businessman and one of the country’s most promising politicians.

"Naging Speaker at Senate President. Si Manny Villar lang po ang unang naka-accomplish nito. Wala pa hong iba," Estrada said.

Estrada said Bataan is fortunate to have a "son" in Villar, whose mother, Curita hails from Orani.

Estrada said his choice for a standard bearer must be pro-poor not only in words but also in deeds and should campaign against graft and corruption.

Estrada said while he may not seek the presidency, he would play a supporting role to whoever will run for the opposition.

Estrada said the choice for the opposition’s presidential candidate by the council of elders will have to go through three surveys which will be commissioned next year.

"I can’t endorse a candidate yet. There are six aspirants as you know. Kung mapipili si Senate President Manny Villar, mas mabuti," he said.

When asked if Villar would ultimately get his backing in the 2010 polls, Estrada was quick to respond: "Yes, kung siya ang mapipili."

Estrada reiterated he bears no grudge toward Villar for railroading the transmittal of the impeachment complaint against him in 2000.

"Umpisa pa lang, wala akong hinanakit. Magkasama kami," he said.

Villar clarified he only fulfilled his mandate when he transmitted the articles of impeachment to the Senate.

Villar promised to bring Bataan to greater economic heights.

In the Orani briefing, Villar said it would be unfair to the former president to be asked about his choices for 2010.

Estrada said Lakas was correct in saying the opposition will have a difficult selection process because it has many presidential aspirants.

"Totoo ‘yun, talagang mahihirapan kami, kasi marami puwede sa aming tumakbong presidente. Sila (administration) wala, e. Wala silang hirap, baka kumuha pa sila sa amin," he said.

Estrada assured other presidential aspirants of the opposition that he would visit their hometowns.

Ernesto Maceda, a member of the opposition’s council of elders, said all opposition presidential aspirants were invited to accompany Estrada to Bataan but it was only Villar who obliged.

Maceda said by being a former fish vendor and gravel and sand worker who overcame poverty, "Villar clearly passes the pro-poor criteria."

Maceda said the opposition also has a problem in drawing up a senatorial slate.

He said those who declined in 2007 to run for the Senate are now the ones knocking at their door to enlist for 2010.

Maceda said among them are columnist Randy David and former social welfare secretary Dinky Soliman.

"We have at least 40 applicants," he said.

Among those who welcomed Estrada and Villar were pro-administration Bataan Gov. Enrique Garcia, former Rep. Felicisimo Payumo and Rep. Herminia Roman.

Estrada was with former Sen. Loi Ejercito Estrada.