Assuming Mr Ramos steps down in 1998, the most likely contest would be between Mr Estrada and Renato de Villa, the defence secretary, a man who has made a career out of following in Mr Ramos's footsteps.

ECONOMIST: 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

An associate of the president's brother-in-law Raul de Guzman, Laquian says his main job is to gather information and set before Estrada the pros and cons of policy options.

CNN: A President's Guardian Angel