Mr de Venecia, an ambitious backroom politician of the old school, has a strong grip on the party machinery.

ECONOMIST: The Philippines

But Mr de Venecia is an unexciting candidate who has consistently failed to make much of an impression in the opinion polls.

ECONOMIST: The Philippines

So, if the polls are to be believed, Mr Estrada will end up with Mr de Venecia's running-mate, Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, as his deputy.

ECONOMIST: Philippines

To general surprise, Mr Ramos has picked Jose de Venecia, the controversial speaker of the House of Representatives, as the ruling party's candidate.

ECONOMIST: The Philippines

Opposition lawmakers have agreed to support it, although they fear that Mr de Venecia, an ally of Mrs Arroyo, is setting a trap for them.

ECONOMIST: President Arroyo toughs it out

Jose de Venecia, the speaker of the House of Representatives and ruling party's candidate, and Joseph Estrada, the populist vice-president, are both closely associated with the Marcos years.

ECONOMIST: With a swoon, Imelda’s back | The

Nevertheless, Mr de Venecia does his best to look confident.

ECONOMIST: Philippines

After stinging rebukes from Renato de Villa, a former defence secretary, human-rights organisations and the Roman Catholic Church, Mr de Venecia is now talking about letting justice run its course.

ECONOMIST: With a swoon, Imelda’s back | The