Aquino takes swipe at ‘tardy’ Laguna governor

Laguna Governor Jeorge “ER” Ejercito: Latecomer?

SAN PABLO CITY, Philippines—President Aquino on Thursday took a swipe at a top local official in the province of Laguna.

“Meron po kayong mataas na opisyal, nagpatawag po ako ng meeting sa Malacañang ng alas-tres, dumating po mga 5:30 ng hapon. Itong opisyal na ito, itinanong pa anong napag-usapan (You have a high ranking official here who when I called for a meeting at Malacañang at 3 o’clock in the afternoon, arrived at 5:30 in the afternoon. This official, upon arriving, even asked what was in the agenda),” Aquino said.

The President made this reference to the Laguna official as he went through the government’s flood mitigation programs for the Laguna Lake in a proclamation rally of the Liberal Party held here.

The President did not name names, but Laguna Governor Jeorge “ER” Ejercito has been criticized, at times, for reportedly arriving late at government functions.

Aquino then went on to say: “Awa ng Diyos, ito pong mataas na opisyal na ito, kada magkikita kami either pasakay na ako ng chopper o nakasakay na…Kung ayaw mo akong kausapin, maraming gustong kumausap sa akin.” (This official, every time we see each other, it’s either I am about to board a chopper or was already on board…If you don’t want to talk to me, there are many others who want to talk with me.)

In an earlier Laguna Lake forum, Laguna fourth district Rep. Egay San Luis, now a candidate for governor under LP, also mentioned about Ejercito arriving late in the Malacañang meeting.

Ejercito, in a phone interview, said the President might not have been referring to him since he could not recall any instance that he arrived late at a meeting with the President.

Ejercito is seeking reelection under the United Nationalist Alliance. He is also a nephew of ousted President Joseph Estrada.

In an event of the Liberal Party in Cavite last week, Aquino also took potshots at Sen. Ramon “Bong” Revilla, who is reportedly being groomed to be the 2016 presidential standard bearer of Lakas-CMD party.