Estrada, Singson reconcile; Ilocos Sur gov throws support for UNA

Ilocos Sur Governor Luis “Chavit” Singson and San Juan Representative Joseph Victor “JV” Ejercito Estrada. FILE PHOTO

VIGAN CITY, Philippines – It was a way to compensate for a falling out between good friends.

San Juan Representative Joseph Victor “JV” Ejercito Estrada can now expect support not just from his father, former President Joseph Estrada, but also Ilocos Sur Governor Luis “Chavit” Singson who said that he has patched things up with the deposed leader.

“May kompromiso ako sa tatay niya eh [I am bound by a compromise with his father],” Singson said in jest during an interview with reporters at the governor’s Baluarte residence in Vigan City on Saturday.

“Yung hindi namin pagkakaintindihan ni Pareng Erap, kung anumang pagkukulang ko, dito ko na ibubuhos kay JV [Whatever misudenrstanding I have with my friend Erap, whatever inadequacies, I will pour it out on JV],” said Singson who arrived wearing a bright orange shirt in a show of support for UNA.

“Ano man ng aking pagkukulang, ibubuhos ko ang tulong para sa mga anak niya [Whatever I failed to do, I will pour it out on his children],” he said.

This, according to the man who accused Estrada of involvement in illegal gambling in the country, was his way to make up for all his shortcomings where his friend was concerned.

Singson recalled reconciling differences with the former President during the wake of Estrada’s mother, Dona Mary Ejercito, back in 2009.

“Hindi lang kami nagkaintindihan. Balik na kami sa dati [We simply misunderstood each other. We’re now back to what were before],” he said.

UNA met with the candidates of its local party Bileg on Saturday during a luncheon hosted by the governor and his sons, incumbent Ilocos Sur Representative Ryan Luis Singson, and former Ilocos Sur Representative Ronald Singson.

Ryan Luis is running for governor while Ronald is eyeing a congressional seat for the first district of Ilocos Sur.

The young Estrada said he was grateful for Singson’s support, saying that he was surprised when the governor informed him of his move to back the San Juan legislator’s bid for a Senate seat.

“Actually sa Manila pa lang nagkita na kami ni Gov., sinabi nya sa akin tutulungan kita, padalhan mo lang ako ng materyales mo [Actually while we were in Manila, Gov and I saw each other. He told me that he would help me and for me to send materials to him]. Of course any help is welcome and I’m grateful Gov. Chavit offered to help,” he said.

“We are happy that they have finally reconciled,” added the young Estrada.

Former senator Ernesto Maceda said that the Singsons’ support would likely win them a large number of votes in Ilocos Sur.

“In Regions 1 and 2, I think UNA will win by a comfortable margin,” he said.

“Perhaps even CAR,” said Cagayan Representative Jack Enrile, referring to the Cordillera Administrative Region.