Overzealous Estrada leader faces vandalism charges

Charges have been filed by the Mandaluyong police against a supporter of President Estrada for spraying paint on the wall of the official residence of Manila Archbishop Jaime Cardinal Sin during a rally last month.

Jo Cordova was charged with vandalism and alarm and scandal before the Mandaluyong City Prosecutor’s Office. He is a member of the so-called Citizen’s Movement for Justice, Economy, Environment and Peace. Cordova was among the supporters of Mr. Estrada who staged a rally in front of Villa San Miguel, the official residence of Cardinal Sin on the morning of Oct. 28.

The rallyists were condemning the prelate for criticizing President Estrada and seeking his resignation over reports that he received pay-offs from gambling operations. During the rally of Estrada’s followers, Cordova allegedly spray-painted the words "Ipagtanggol si Erap" on the concrete wall of Villa San Miguel. – Shiela Crisostomo