WHILE saying he was overwhelmed with the large turnout for last Tuesday’s rally for United Nationalist Alliance (UNA) senatorial candidates, former president Joseph Estrada admitted that not all of them would win in Cebu.
“Well, I’m overwhelmed and this goes to show that we have good chance of winning in Cebu City. Our lineup is much better than their (Liberal Party) lineup in terms of background, intelligence, and of course track record,” Estrada said.
Estrada endorsed all bets except guest candidate Sen. Francis Escudero who didn’t send a representative or have his poster on stage.
UNA’s two other guest candidates Sen. Loren Legarda and Grace Poe sent proxies.
Estrada criticized the suspension of Gov. Gwendolyn Garcia, saying he knew what it felt like being forced to leave office.
But he said Garcia ‘s suspension couldn’t harm the chances of UNA candidates to win in the elections because people knew that Garcia was “harassed”.
He expressed confidence during his message that Garcia will win her bid for the 3rd district congressional seat.
“If the rule of law is violated, the rule of the people will set you free,” he told Garcia.
Governor Garcia said she was overwhelmed with the support given to her by UNA.
She also said her One Cebu party will deliver the votes to the UNA candidates in May.
“The Cebuanos will remember this and they will see who is fighting for them,” she said.
Estrada also criticized President Benigno Aquino III, saying while the economy is improving, the growth didn’t help the poor masses.
Estrada is running for mayor of Manila against incumbent Mayor Alfredo Lim. His son JV Ejercito is one of UNA’s senatorial candidates.
Estrada echoed Vice President Jejomar Binay’s message that the UNA will be a constructive opposition party because it will support good programs but oppose those that don’t benefit the people. Correspondents Jhunnex Napallacan and Edison delos Angeles and Chief of Reporters Doris C. Bongcac