Estrada makes presidency claim

Manila - The Philippines' disgraced but defiant Mr Joseph Estrada emerged from seclusion yesterday to tell supporters he was …

Manila - The Philippines' disgraced but defiant Mr Joseph Estrada emerged from seclusion yesterday to tell supporters he was still the rightful president and promise that he would not use violence to reclaim power.

Thousands of supporters, many in tears, lined the streets to welcome him as he arrived at a convention of his political party. Mr Estrada appeared close to tears as he said: "I left Malacanang [presidential palace] but not my presidency . . . I remain the duly elected president, now on leave," he told supporters. "I will never leave the Filipino people . . . I have lived here. Here I will die."