Erap, Binay, Senate bets file COCs today

MANILA, Philippines - Former President Joseph “Erap” Estrada, his running mate Makati Mayor Jejomar Binay, and their senatorial slate will file before noon today their certificates of candidacy (COC) before the Commission on Elections (Comelec) office in Intramuros, Manila.

Estrada spokeswoman Margaux Salcedo said Erap, Binay, their senatorial slate and supporters would gather at about 9 a.m. at the Liwasang Bonifacio where a Mass and program would be held in commemoration of Bonifacio Day.

Binay said the Erap-Binay tandem has the executive experience to rebuild the country.

He said the challenges of rebuilding a country mismanaged for eight years and weighed down by corruption at the highest level of government would require leaders with executive experience and real concern for the poor.

“The urgent task of lifting the people from poverty and hunger, making government work for the people and ending corruption should not be entrusted to untested leaders who are not sincere in helping the poor,” Binay said.

He said the people must give Estrada a chance to continue his pro-poor program through another term in the presidency.

“President Estrada and I possess the experience and capability to respond to crisis. We do not evade responsibility. We do not keep quiet, and we do not leave the country in times of crisis and difficulties,” the mayor said.

Binay said they are ready to address the present problems of the country.

“We know and we are ready to address the needs of the people for a new leadership that is competent, capable and cares for the poor,” he said.

Binay said the full implementation of Estrada’s pro-poor programs was derailed when he was forcibly removed from power in 2001.

A program at the Liwasang Bonifacio to celebrate Bonifacio Day and honor the hero will precede the filing of COCs.

Estrada will unveil the United Opposition’s (UNO) platform of government during the program, which also includes a speech from Binay and a reading of a manifesto of support for the Erap-Binay tandem by Ronald Lumbao of the People’s Movement Against Poverty.

After the program, the party will march to the Comelec via Taft Avenue and Intramuros, to file their COCs.