HONG KONG – Deposed former Philippine president Joseph Estrada says he will return to the movies as an actor.

          Estrada said last week that he was negotiating to star opposite leading lady Ai Ai de las Alas, but did not name the film, save to say that it is a comedy. Nor did he reveal his fee, though he claimed to be broke after some six years in prison, most of it spent awaiting trial.

          The 70-year old starred in 120 movies in a 26 year acting career and  used film as a springboard for his political career. That reached its zenith in 1998 when he was elected president by a record margin.

          While Estrada says he wants to make people laugh again, political commentators have speculated that he may attempt to run for president again. Under prevailing laws, former presidents are barred from seeking reelection, but Estrada can claim that he did not complete his term in office.

          He was ousted in a bloodless coup after 30 months as president amid allegations of incompetence and corruption.