Erap backers in WV unaffected by Ping’s ‘bombshell’
The spokesperson of Jeep Ni Erap in Western Visayas dubbed as “a mere rehash” all the issues raised by Sen. Panfilo Lacson against former President Joseph “Erap” Estrada in his privilege speech at the Senate last Monday.
“There’s nothing new about it (Lacson’s allegations against Estrada). It was just a revival of old issues, just like old songs which are being revived by new singers to their own melody,” Atty. Joshua Alim said.
Alim said their group here in Western Visayas is not at all affected by Sen. Lacson’s accusations against Estrada as they vowed full support to the latter’s presidential bid in the 2010 elections.
“The issues Lacson raised were already brought in the impeachment case against the former president. Clearly it was politically motivated, the ultimate goal of which is to politically massacre Erap because of his good showing in the surveys,” Alim said.
In his privilege speech, Lacson accused Estrada of having several “shady” deals during his presidency, including his involvement in the illegal numbers game jueteng, and his knowledge of the plot to kill publicist Salvador “Bubby” Dacer.
Alim said Lacson’s accusations were also bereft of evidences taking advantage only of his immunity being a member of the legislative body.
“Another big question is why only now? After almost nine years why did he spill the beans only now? What’s his real motive?” Alim asked.
Alim likened the present scenario to what happened in 1998 when Estrada first ran for president where all sorts of demolition jobs were hurled against him to destroy his person but still he won the presidency.
“President Erap is already used to demolition jobs, he has survived the impeachment, I’m sure he will overcome these issues,” Alim said.
Alim added, there must be some influential forces behind the new attacks against Estrada. “Remember, this only cropped up after the Dacer-Corbito case which primarily pointed out to Lacson as the one who ordered the killing of the victims. Maybe, this is just his (Lacson) way to divert the issue and as well as the attention of the public.”