Estrada distributes relief goods, denies talk it’s early campaigning

V. Mapa residents waiting for ex-President Estrada for relief assistance. V.Mapa in Sta. Mesa was one of the hardest hit areas by two days of heavy rains. Tetch Torres/INQUIRER.net

MANILA, Philippines–Former President Joseph Estrada on Tuesday distributed relief goods to flood affected areas in Manila amid criticisms it was a ruse for his early campaigning.

In V. Mapa, Sta. Mesa, 1,500 tickets were distributed to each family from Barangays 598 to 601. Each ticket is equivalent to a relief good for one family.

He denied that he has started campaigning as he was reportedly eyeing to be mayor of Manila in the 2012 mid-term elections.

“I am not campaigning. I have been doing this (distribution of goods) even during my birthday,” he told reporters.

“But this is the first time for me to visit this area,” he said.

V. Mapa is one of the hardest hit areas in the city by severe floods. Some residents said flood waters have reached the first floor of their houses.

From V. Mapa, Estrada proceeded to Bacood, Sta. Mesa and then to Baseco compound in Tondo also to distribute relief goods.