Binay says he’s still friends with Erap despite Poe endorsement
Vice President Jejomar Binay and Manila Mayor Joseph Estrada. INQUIRER FILE PHOTOS
Vice President Jejomar Binay on Tuesday said he remains friends with former President Joseph Estrada even though the latter opted to support the candidacy of Sen. Grace Poe.
In an interview with reporters in Cebu City, Cebu, where Binay is expected to hold campaign rallies, the vice president said he respected the decision of Estrada to endorse his opponent for the presidency.
“Respetuhin natin, kanya kanya tayo ng decision,” Binay said.
(Let’s respect it, we have our own decisions.)
READ: Erap endorses Grace; Binays rally in Makati
He said his friendship with Estrada remained intact, with their ties going back to the 2010 elections, when Estrada and Binay ran with each other for president and vice president. Estrada lost, but Binay won the vice presidency.
Estrada and Binay also founded the United Nationalist Alliance (UNA) for their 2010 bid, until Binay used the UNA as his official political party for his 2016 presidential candidacy.
Binay dismissed Estrada’s endorsement of Poe as mere politicking only for the upcoming elections.
“On my part, we remain to be friends. After all, ako e kinuha niyang vice president nya (he got me as his vice president), I cannot forget,” Binay said.
“Pagkatapos ng elections edi parang walang nangyari. Pulitika lang yan e. Walang personalan,” he added.
(After the elections, then it would be as if nothing happened. It’s only politics. Nothing personal.)
READ: Estrada: Gratitude to FPJ is why I endorse Grace Poe
Asked if Estrada’s endorsement of Poe would have an effect on his presidential bid, Binay said the question is speculative and that the real survey is on May 9.
“Hindi ko naman sinasabing balewala. Basta kung may epekto man o wala, makikita natin pagdating ng halalan,” Binay said.
“Kaya nga sabi ko sayo, pagdidiinan ko lang, ang kampanya ko ay nakasalalay sa diretsong pakikipag-usap sa taumbayan,” he added.
(I’m not saying it has no bearing. Whether it has an effect or not, we will see come election day.
That’s why I said, I will just emphasize that my campaign depends on directly speaking with the people.)
Binay is in Cebu for a grand proclamation rally in Toledo city, where mayor John “Sonny” Osmeña is expected to attend.
Binay is also set to hold a grand proclamation rally in Cebu city to be attended by an ally Mayor Mike Rama. CDG
