Erap reacts to Noli de Castro's Nazarene comments

MANILA, Philippines - Manila Mayor Joseph "Erap" Estrada on Friday reacted to broadcaster Noli De Castro's on-air comments on ambulant vendors during the yearly Black Nazarene procession.

Estrada, a former president, was urged by De Castro, a former vice president, to act on devotees' complaints against the vendors who supposedly pose danger and cause obstruction during the traditional procession.

In a radio interview, Estrada said the city government has been trying to address the problem, but with difficulties.

"Hindi mo naman madidisplina kahit yung mga vendors na 'yan eh, dahil sa dami ng tao, hindi mo na maaasikaso 'yon. Mga minor ano lang 'yan eh," Estrada said.

"Maliit na bagay, hahanapan niya kami ng butas," he added, referring to De Castro's comments.

Estrada said it is also difficult to restrain the vendors who are only trying to make a living.

"You also have to understand the situation of the poor. Siya naman galing doon, dapat naiintindihan niya," Estrada said.

"Lagi kong sinasabi, hungry stomach knows no law. Dapat niyang malaman iyon," he continued.

De Castro, a Nazarene devotee himself, made his comments during an on-air conversation with Winnie Cordero in one of the episodes of his nightly news program.

Read: Netizens slam Noli de Castro 'rude’ on-air attidude towards Winnie Cordero

Netizens criticized De Castro for his attitude, calling him "rude" and "unprofessional." -Louis Bacani