PnM ventures into Chavit’s turf

NARVACAN, Ilocos Sur — A team of Puwersa ng Masa (PnM) senatorial bets composed of, except for one, "arch enemies" of Ilocos Sur Gov. Chavit Singson, "invaded" Singson’s turf last Monday and, despite chickening out of a planned big rally in Vigan City, Singson’s base, claimed having been received well in "hostile" territory.

A mini-rally was instead staged for them at the home of former Narvacan mayor Edgardo Zaragoza here where deposed President Joseph Estrada’s wife Loi and fellow PnM senatorial bets Umbra Tamano, Panfilo Lacson and re-electionists Miriam Santiago and Juan Ponce Enrile spoke.

Before their arrival in the province, local organizers led by Laban ng Demokratikong Pilipino (LDP) gubernatorial bet Benjamin Baterina had second thoughts on whether to proceed with the Vigan rally or not, worried that they might not muster a large crowd for the PnM candidates.

They were also concerned that with Vigan under Singson’s strong influence, the rally could have a negative effect on Baterina’s bid.

In the end, however, Baterina’s group endorsed the staging of the rally which, however, was canceled at the last minute when the senatorial candidates arrived.

A STAR source said that PnM handlers cited security reasons for the rally’s cancellation.

"I never felt more at home here, the people warmly received us after we touched down at the Vigan airport," Mrs. Estrada told a group of barangay officials.

The always candid Santiago, on the other hand, said she was looking for Singson while in Vigan to challenge him to a "boxing match."

Enrile, who, along with Santiago, was Singson’s tormentor during the Senate impeachment trial and the Blue Ribbon hearings, said he did not feel a bit worried about coming to Ilocos Sur.

"Bakit kayo takot kay Chavit (Why are you afraid of Chavit)?," he asked newsmen during a brief press conference here. He claimed having saved Singson’s life once.

Lacson, who was suspected of having given the order for Camp Crame-based operatives to intercept Singson for an alleged traffic infraction in Malate last October, was not seen with his co-candidates in Vigan. He reportedly later joined them in this town.