MANILA, Philippines — The so-called thanksgiving caravan of former President Joseph Estrada does not seem to lose steam despite the recent death of his mother, Mrs. Mary Ejercito.

Mr. Estrada and his allies are expected to go around Antipolo during a motorcade this afternoon. A stage would be constructed at the plaza where the former President would address a big crowd that is expected to turn out, according to his staff.

While political movers and shakers have been busy trying to stave off the effects of the global financial meltdown, Estrada and his supporters have been relentlessly touring Metro Manila cities and provinces.

Last night, “Lakbay Pasasalamat ni President Erap” staged another film showing of the documentary “Destiny” at the plaza of Antipolo City in the province of Rizal. The film, which runs approximately 40 minutes, shows the political journey of the ousted president. The show drew a handful of passers-by in the area.

Jun Cristobal, a staff of the caravan, believes Mr. Estrada will run in the 2010 presidential poll though the deposed chief executive himself has yet to announce any intention to continue his aborted political career. “He’s going to run (in 2010) because his political allies are telling him to go for it,” he said.

The caravan had already barnstormed Bulacan, Cebu, Laguna, Bacolod City, Leyte, Mindoro, Bataan, Nueva Ecija and Cagayan Valley. – By Dennis Carcamo (Philstar News Service, www.philstar.com)