Erap beats GMA on Iloilo visit
Opposition stalwarts: Makati Mayor Jejomar Binay, former
President Joseph Estrada and Iloilo Vice-Governor Rolex
Suplico in a press conference yesterday.
Former President Joseph "Erap" Ejercito Estrada and party were in town yesterday bearing relief goods for thousands of Ilonggo families affected by Typhoon Frank.
With all 42 towns and one component city of Iloilo as beneficiaries, the municipalities of Pavia and Oton were chosen as "drop-off" points. Makati Mayor Jejomar Binay, actor Rez Cortez and former Senator Ernesto Maceda accompanied the former President. Binay said Pavia and Oton were chosen as "drop-off" areas since both Local Government Units (LGUs) are "sister cities" of Makati City. Respective mayors of the Iloilo towns were informed of the Estrada aid, Binay said, with the former President vowing more assistance.
"Kung ako pa ang Presidente, tutulungan ko lahat 'yan... ibibigay natin lahat 'yan (If I am still the President, we will help all of them... we will provide everything for them)," Estrada said when told of more relief sought and needed by the victims.
Met by longtime Ilonggo Estrada loyalists, Estrada in a press conference was also joined and welcomed by Iloilo Vice Governor Rolex Suplico. The luncheon in Estrada's honor was hosted by Tito Lopez, businessman-son of former Iloilo Second District Congressman Alberto and Guimaras Congresswoman Emily Lopez.
"We sought the help of President Estrada immediately after the calamity hit us. We needed all the help we can get for Iloilo. So his Iloilo trip was planned thereafter and not merely an afterthought, a 'consuelo de bobo,' like the GMA visit," the vice governor said, referring to today's arrival of President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo and members of her Cabinet.
The former President was asked about the timing of his Iloilo travel given GMA's schedule to be here as well today.
"Hindi kami nag-uunahan (We are not in a race here)... there is no politics nor politicking in our visit... In times of calamity, we set aside politics... all leaders must join hands," Estrada said.
And Iloilo is an easy choice, he added, saying in jest,"Ilonggos have a special place in my heart."
When still in office, Estrada responded to two major financial needs of Iloilo – the P50 million start-up fund needed by the Iloilo Provincial Government when the Capitol building was razed by a fire and the P6.2 billion loan for the now operational new Iloilo Airport of international standards.
Meantime, former Senator Maceda said that similar relief mission will continue in the Province of Aklan. Distribution here though will be duly coordinated with the Aklan Archdiocese. The Iloilo sortie of the Estrada group did not include a visit or coordination with the Jaro Archdiocese since according to Maceda, information was relayed that Archbishop Angel Lagdameo is not receiving help from politicians.