Corporate execs told: Back Erap.

"He is our President whether we like it or not."

This was how Trade and Industry Secretary Manuel A. Roxas II parried questions and comments from the ranks of the Management Association of the Philippines (MAP) who expressed skepticism about the capabilities of President Estrada to steer the economy.

"Whether you voted for this gentleman or not - he is the one that our people chose and his success is our success and his failure is our failure," Mr. Roxas stressed at the MAP luncheon meeting yesterday at the Hotel Inter-Continental Manila in Makati City.

His face turned austere and the tone of his voice unsympathetic, in stark contrast to his playful …