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Filipinos unsure whom to support in Estrada scandal

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November 11, 2000 

MANILA, Philippines (AP) - Many Filipinos are unsure whether to support President Joseph Estrada, his accuser, or opposition politicians in a corruption scandal that threatens Estrada's administration, according to a survey released Friday.

The survey by the respected Social Weather Stations showed Filipinos had little confidence in 25 officials, politicians or religious leaders who have made statements about the scandal.

It said 21 percent of respondents approved of Estrada's actions, while the same percentage did not. The remainder said they were unsure or were unaware of the corruption allegations.

Slightly more, 24 percent, said they approved of the role of former President Corazon Aquino, who has led calls for Estrada to resign, against 21 percent who disapproved.

The same number, 24 percent, approved of stands taken by Senator Raul Roco, a prominent opposition leader who is also seeking Estrada's resignation. Ten percent said they disapproved of Roco's role.

Vice President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo, who would succeed Estrada if he resigns, received a 23 percent approval rating, while 20 percent of respondents disapproved of her.

Senator Francisco Tatad, a strong supporter of the president, received an approval rating of 13 percent and disapproval rating of 12 percent.

A provincial governor, Luis Singson, testified in early October that Estrada had asked him to coordinate the collection of millions of dollars in payoffs from illegal gambling operators for the president.

Estrada has denied receiving any payoffs, but the accusations have triggered widespread calls for his resignation. The House of Representatives is preparing articles of impeachment against Estrada.

The survey results indicate that many Filipinos were not ready to take sides in the scandal nearly a month after the allegations were first made by Singson.

The survey polled 1,200 adults nationwide from Oct. 26 to Oct. 30 and had margin of error of 3 percent, SWS said.