MANILA, Philippines — Former Senator Jinggoy Estrada appealed to San Juan City voters on Wednesday to make his half-brother, re-electionist Senator JV Ejercito, their No. 1 candidate in the upcoming midterm elections in May 2019.
Estrada campaigned for Ejercito amid a reported feud between the two in the run-up to the 2019 senatorial race.
“Pakiusap ko lang sa inyo… sa darating na eleksyon, gawin niyong number one si JV, kahit number two na lang ako,” Estrada said during the campaign caravan of pro-administration Hugpong ng Pagbabago (HNP) at the known Ejercito-Estrada bailiwick of San Juan on Wednesday.
The campaign caravan was held at the San Juan City Hall.
Speaking with reporters after the event, Estrada said that he is sincere with his endorsement of his half-brother’s candidacy.
“Sa probability naman it’s appropriate dahil nagsilbi si Senator JV for nine years as mayor and I think six years as congressman. Ako naman eh nine years as mayor and four years as vice mayor,” he said.
Both served as mayor of San Juan City with Estrada from 1992 to 2001 followed by Ejercito from 2001 to 2010.
“Ako na mismong nagsabi. It will not come from my mouth if I’m not sincere,” he added.
Ejercito and Estrada were not able to share the same stage during the campaign rally in their family’s bailiwick as the former left the venue even before the latter had arrived.
When asked if he thinks his half-brother is avoiding him, Estrada said: “Di naman, I don’t know, baka naman may sarili siyang lakad.”
Ejercito went to the groundbreaking of the first three stations of the Metro Manila Subway system in Valenzuela City right after he spoke before the crowd in San Juan City.
READ: DOTr breaks ground for Metro Manila subway project
Estrada and Ejercito, sons of Manila Mayor Joseph Estrada, are both endorsed by the regional party of Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio, HNP, along with 11 other candidates. /jpv
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