Landslide hope for 'president' Estrada

Advisers to Philippine presidential hopeful Joseph Estrada yesterday predicted he would win Monday's election with more than 40 per cent of the vote.

Optimism among his entourage was at fever pitch as they gathered for a Mass in his home town of San Juan, prompting rare words of caution from Mr Estrada.

'The election hasn't started yet. We haven't won anything yet,' he repeatedly told his staff following polls that gave him a 33 per cent sway over the 34 million voters.

'I am very confident that everyone knows now I will do a good job,' the Vice-President earlier told the South China Morning Post.

'People have faith in me and in the people around me. They know I will not forget the poor. My priority will be to improve food security and the basics by giving farmers more income.

'That will solve a lot of the problems slowing the development of this country.' Mr Estrada and his advisers are battling to flesh out policies in a bid to curb fears that the unabashed populist will be left floundering should he win.

Mr Estrada insisted yesterday he would keep up the momentum of social and economic reforms pioneered by outgoing President Fidel Ramos without neglecting farmers - or raising taxes.