MANILA, Philippines — Former senator Joseph Victor “JV” Ejercito met with presidential frontrunner Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr., whom he called a “good friend,” to thank his family for the warm welcome and support among Ilocanos.
“Noong isang araw, nagkita kami ni (BBM), dahil kami po’y magkaibigan din ni BBM, ni Bonget. Ang tawag namin sa kanya Bonget,” he said in an interview with Bombo Radyo Laoag.
“Kahit na wala ako sa Uniteam, sabi niya, gusto rin niya na manalo ako kasi alam niyang maayos tayong tao. Kaya ang ganda ng aming pagkikita,” he added.
Ejercito also thanked Senator Imee Marcos, her son Ilocos Norte Matthew Marcos Manotoc, and his Ilocano supporters for helping his campaign.
The senatorial candidate is currently in the Ilocos region to woo the so-called “Solid North” for his campaign.
“Ako’y nagpapasalamat. Napakahirap ng eleksyon na ito para sa’kin dahil independent ako. Mag-isa lang akong kumikilos. Nakita niyo naman ang kulay ko. Kulay kahoy na ako,” he said.
“Pero siyempre, nakakataba ng puso na kahit papaano, mainit ang tanggap sa’tin saan man tayo magpunta. Siguro marami na rin ang naka-recognize ng ating accomplishments,” he added.
Initially, Ejercito was not included in the Uniteam senatorial slate organized by Marcos and his running mate Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio.
The Ejercito and Marcos families have been close allies for decades, with Ejercito’s parents former President Joseph “Erap” Ejercito Estrada and former San Juan Mayor Guia Gomez being two of several key personalities who remained with the late President Ferdinand Marcos Sr. before the EDSA People Power uprising.
Estrada and Gomez also endorsed Marcos’ bid for Vice President during the 2016 general elections.