Journal
Wednesday,Mar 4 2009, 10:53:46 AMEarp calls Binay "next president"
Erap calls Binay "next president"
CEBU, Philippines - Call it whatever you might want to call it, but yesterday’s visit of former President Joseph Estrada to four towns in northern Cebu was some sort of an opening salvo for the opposition’s campaign for the 2010 elections.
The former president was accompanied by what many political pundits see as his heir apparent, Makati City Mayor Jejomar Binay.
Estrada, who was ousted from power in a people’s revolt in January 2001, referred to Binay as “the next president of the Philippines.”
The two leading opposition figures were accompanied by other opposition figures. Speaking before thousands of residents of Compostela, Estrada said the progress made by Makati since Binay was appointed as its officer in charge in 1986 can be replicated in the whole country.
Estrada said Makati’s financial success, in the past two decades is proof of the good leadership of Mayor Binay.
Binay, president of the United Opposition, has been groomed as a presidential bet for the 2010 elections.
Binay bared his readiness to run for the presidency in 2010, citing his 20-year experience in running Makati, the financial capital of the Philippines.
Binay, known as one of the top critics of President Arroyo’s administration, said local chief executives have the necessary experience and skills to be the country’s president compared to legislators.
In this trip, Binay established sister city-town relationship with Liloan and Compostela and other towns in Cebu.
Although, he made an endorsement of Mayor Binay during his speech in Compostela, Estrada when interviewed by The Freeman in Liloan town reiterated his intent to run for president if the opposition forces cannot unite.
Aside from Binay, also eyeing the presidency from the opposition are former Senate President Manuel Villar, Senator Loren Legarda, Senator Panfilo Lacson, and neophyte Senator Francis Escudero.
Estrada said his purpose in visiting Cebu is to express thanks to Cebuanos for their continuing support to him even when he was in jail facing charges for plunder. This was Estrada’s first visit to Cebu after six and half years of detention. He was released from jail after President Arroyo granted him executive clemency.
Dubbed as “Lakbay pasasalamat ni Erap,” Estrada first visited in Carmen town, where he was met by Mayor Sonia Pua, Vice Mayor Martin Gerard Villamor and town officials at the municipal hall. Aside from Binay, Estrada was also accompanied by lawyer Adel Tamano; former senator Ernesto Maceda; Gina de Venecia, wife of former House Speaker Jose de Venecia; Grace Poe, daughter of the late Fernando Poe; and actor Rex Cortez. The former president was paraded around town on board a military-type jeepney that even had a replica machine gun to complete its look.
The vehicle is owned by Mayor Pua’s late husband. During a short program held at the market, Estrada said he is a victim of conspiracy between military, businessmen, church and civilian leaders.
After Carmen, Estrada and party visited Compostela town where he was met by Mayor Ritchie Wagas. In Liloan town, they were also met by town officials led by Mayor Vincent Franco “Duke” Frasco.
Estrada promised the release of a P20 million financial assistance for the construction of a public market in Liloan town. He said the amount would be taken from the funds of his son, Senator Jinggoy Estrada.
Consolacion Mayor Avelino Gungob, Sr. also led local officials in welcoming Estrada to their town. Estrada said that when he stepped down from office, it did not mean he was guilty, but only to prevent bloodshed.
He also revealed the offer of the administration of President Arroyo through former Justice Secretary Hernando Perez that he will sign a document to prove that he stepped down as president in exchange for no charges to be filed against him, but he said he refused.–/NLQ (THE FREEMAN)