‘Erap factor to ensure FPJ’s victory’

The so-called "Erap factor" will ensure the victory of movie star Fernando Poe Jr. in the May 2004 presidential elections, Maguindanao Rep. Didagen Dilangalen said yesterday.

Dilangalen said this was precisely why former President Joseph Estrada no longer wants to seek medical treatment in the US to focus on campaigning for his long time friend.

Dilangalen, a member of Estrada’s party Partido ng Masang Pilipino (PMP), said the huge following of the former president will be a huge factor for Poe’s success in the elections.

"The Erap factor is so big and (if) that will be harnessed by a candidate, most likely he (Poe) will get 20, 25, or even 30 percent of the votes," Dilangalen said.

With an estimated 38 million voters participating in the polls next year, 30 percent would translate to more than 11 million votes, the Maguindanao lawmaker said.

Dilangalen pointed out that Estrada holds the distinction of being the only president to have won by a landslide with more than 10 million votes in 1998.

He said Malacañang is very much aware of Estrada’s clout that it is practically pushing the former president to leave for the US to undergo knee surgery.

Estrada is currently under detention facing charges of plunder before the Sandiganbayan.

Dilangalen said President Arroyo’s intention in allowing Estrada to undergo surgery in the US is to get rid of the former leader to prevent him from influencing the outcome of the elections.

He pointed out Malacañang earlier rejected a resolution signed by more than 120 congressmen in expressing their support to allow the former leader to seek medical treatment abroad.

Dilangalen said the treatment and recuperation will take more than six months, so by the time Estrada comes back, the elections would already be over.

"At any rate, we will give (Mrs. Arroyo) the benefit of the doubt," Dilangalen said. "We will assume that it is done in good faith and for humanitarian reasons."

The opposition lawmaker admitted for his part that Mrs. Arroyo is the "candidate to beat" because she is the incumbent with the entire government resources and machinery at her disposal.

Being the incumbent, Mrs. Arroyo enjoys a 15 percent edge over other rivals, Dilangalen said.

Administration Rep. Prospero Nograles of Davao City said Mrs. Arroyo’s track record and performance have already eclipsed Estrada as well as other presidential wannabes.

Nograles said the latest Pulse Asia survey showed Mrs. Arroyo topping the ratings – proof that the people appreciate her service.

"The so-called platform of government is a mere piece of paper where you write what you propose to do but know you cannot accomplish them all," Nograles said.

This is why a track record is an important factor in determining the qualities of a presidential candidate, he said.