Jinggoy: I will run for senator in 2019 polls

Former Sen. Jose “Jinggoy” Estrada
INQUIRER FILE PHOTO / LYN RILLON

Former Senator Jose “Jinggoy” Estrada has declared his intention to run for senator in 2019 elections.

In an interview with Senate reporters on Tuesday, Estrada said there are ongoing “negotiations” about his senatorial run next year but said he would keep mum on it until talks are finalized.

But as far as he is concerned, he said he wants a coalition between the Pwersa ng Masang Pilipino, the party formed by his father—former President and now Manila Mayor Joseph Estrada—and the ruling PDP-Laban being chaired by President Rodrigo Duterte.

“Basta ako [As for me] I will run under the administration ticket,” Estrada said.

“If they will not get me, I will run as an independent but I will be supportive of the administration of President Duterte no matter what happens,” the former senator said.

Estrada also vowed to support the administration’s projects and legislative agenda for as long as these would benefit the people.

He said his father had no problems if he and his half-brother, incumbent Senator JV Ejercito, would run at the same time in 2019.

“Ako naman [For me], I understand where JV is coming from. He’s an incumbent senator and he wishes to become reelected. I hope he also understands my situation…” Estrada said.

Until now, the former senator admitted that he and Ejercito are still not in good speaking terms.

Estrada also admitted being offended by his half-brother, citing Ejercito’s latest “spin” about his plan to return to the Senate.

“Sometimes, I feel offended. In fact, I felt alluded to doon sa lahat ng mga patama ni JV laban sa akin [with all the attacks against me]. But I kept my silence lalong-lalo na yung sinasabi nya na kaya naman daw gusto kong tumakbo [especially when I said that the reason why I’m running is] in order for me to be vindicated. That’s not true,” he said.

The former senator clarified that what he only said in a recent television interview was that he would be vindicated if he runs and wins the 2019 senatorial polls.

“That’s the only statement that I gave, that I issued. E sabi ni JV, ini-spin nyang masyado, sabi nya e kaya naman tatakbo yan para lang ma-vindicate ang sarili nya, parang self-interest ko lang. That’s not true.”

(JV has said in his latest spin that because I am running is for me to be vindicated and this is for my self-interest.) /jpv

READ: Jinggoy still has ‘inclination to serve our people on a national level’