Jinggoy Estrada elated over survey ranking, El Shaddai backing

Senatorial candidate Jinggoy Estrada (File photo by CATHY MIRANDA / INQUIRER.net)

MANILA, Philippines — Senatorial candidate Jinggoy Estrada on Sunday said he was thankful of his inclusion in Pulse Asia survey’s Magic 12 and the endorsement he received from charismatic group El Shaddai.

Estrada ranked in the 10th to 14th places in the latest Pulse Asia survey, which was released less than two weeks before the elections.

According to the survey, 28.8 percent of the respondents said they would vote for him.

“By the grace of God I got into the Magic 12,” Estrada said in Filipino on the sidelines of a Pwersa ng Masang Pilipino (PMP) campaign rally at the Bonifacio Monument in San Juan City.

Estrada also extended his gratitude towards the leaders of charismatic group El Shaddai, which included him in its list of 14 senatorial candidates that it was endorsing.

Ten of the candidates in the list were endorsed either by the Hugpong ng Pagbabago (HMP), the regional party of Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio, and the Partido Demokratiko Pilipino-Lakas ng Bayan (PDP-Laban), the party of President Rodrigo Duterte.

“I thank Brother Mike and Sister Belen and the whole El Shaddai for their trust and their endorsement,” Estrada said, adding that the group has also backed his previous senatorial bids.

He was referring to El Shaddai leader Mike Velarde and wife Belen.

For the final stretch of his attempt to return to the Senate, Estrada said he would be visiting the Cagayan Valley region and several other provinces that he had not yet visited.

“Just a few more prayers and elections are near. I hope the people will think about my performance and track record in my 12 years as senator,” he said.

Estrada served as senator from 2004 to 2016. He was also elected as Senate president pro tempore in 2007 and 2010.

/atm