Erap: ‘Si Grace ang susunod na …’

It would have been the endorsement that drew the battle lines for the 2016 elections.

Former President, now Manila City Mayor Joseph Estrada on Wednesday might have dropped an endorsement for Senator Grace Poe should she decide to run for president in 2016.

During the commemoration of the late Fernando Poe Jr.’s 76th birthday at the Manila North Cemetery on Thursday, Estrada addressed the late actor’s widow, Susan Roces, in regard to the senator–her adoptive daughter with the actor, fondly called FPJ.

“Kay Susan Roces, ang kanyang anak na si Grace, ang susunod na… ang susunod na…” Estrada trailed off while smiling.

To which supporters replied: “Presidente!”

Estrada then said “Thank you.”

In his speech, he said that he was indebted to the actor, who supported him all the way from when he ran for San Juan City mayor until he became president.

Former president and now Manila Mayor Joseph Estrada spoke about his friendship with late actor Fernando Poe Jr. on the commemoration of FPJ’s 76th birthday at the Manila North Cemetery on August 20. ARIES HEGINA/INQUIRER.net

The Manila City mayor is Poe’s godfather and the best friend who is also fondly called FPJ.

He is also considered as one of the “three kings” of the United Nationalist Alliance (UNA), the opposition party which has declared Vice President Jejomar Binay as its presidential candidate for the 2016 elections.

In previous interviews, Estrada remained mum on who he would support for next year’s polls.

Meanwhile, Poe said that she was still at the crossroads and still mulling her options.

She is being wooed by the administration coalition to become the running mate of Interior Secretary Manuel “Mar” Roxas II. Aries Joseph Hegina