Ejercito prays for ‘miracle’ to win in May polls

MANILA, Philippines — Senator JV Ejercito is hoping for a “miracle” to win in the May 13 elections.

“It has been a great journey. Salamat sa lahat,” Ejercito said in a Viber message on Thursday. “I would need a miracle to win. But miracles do happen.”

At the regular Kapihan sa Senado, Ejercito described his campaign this year as the most “grueling” and “challenging” in his political career.

The senator admitted that he was not able to prepare well for the campaign as he focused more on his landmark laws. He said he thought he could use the Universal Healthcare law as a “weapon” to boost his reelection bid.

He said he was not also able to raise funds.

“The first two months were really rough,” Ejercito said.

These were among the problems that he said contributed to his low ranking in the surveys. He said a lot of people also suddenly approached him worried that he would drop out of the senatorial race.

“Siguro nag-alala sila na that I was dropping out. A lot of people suddenly approached me on the last month. Businessmen, respected people who were worried…” said the senator.

But did he consider withdrawing from the race?

Ejercito said the idea crossed his mind when he learned last year that his brother, former Senator k Jinggoy Estrada, will also run for the Senate.

“Noong umpisa pa lang kasi nung sabi ng kapatid ko na gusto nya tumakbo (At the start, yes because my brother said he wants to run.) I know already that the chances of winning will be affected. Maghahati at maghahati kami ng boto e…(Our votes will be split),” he said.

He explained that it would be confusing for people and it would be a handicap for him to use the name Ejercito instead of Estrada, which he said is the known brand name.

“Sumagi yan (withdraw from the race) sa isipan ko nun dati (It had crossed my mind),” Ejercito said.

But as funds and support poured in even in the last month of the campaign, Ejercito noted how his survey ratings have improved that he even made it to the winning circle based on the latest Pulse Asia survey.

If he gets elected again in the Senate, Ejercito vowed to push for his advocacies and pet measures.

“If I don’t make it, then we just have to respect the people’s decision…Everything happens for a reason,” Ejercito said.

“Kung sakali man (If ever), what I will be proud of probably is I will walk away from this Senate halls with my integrity intact—never been accused of any issue on corruptions, scandals,” he added. /ee