Bataan exec urges Erap to unite leaders

BALANGA CITY – Bataan Governor Enrique Garcia Jr. urged former President Joseph “Erap” Estrada to help unite the leaders of the opposition and the administration to allow President Arroyo to institute her economic development programs without obstructions  before her terms end in 2010.

Garcia said Estrada is capable of uniting the feuding political leaders with his influence and support from the masses.

Estrada should help unite the political leaders for the sake of the country which is now on the way to economic recovery with the prudent reforms implemented by the Arroyo Administration.

Garcia said unification is the key for the country to move forward faster.

He expressed optimism that the visit of Estrada to Bataan today will pave the way for the positive outcome of reconciliation in the country.

Bataan is considered an “Erap country” where Estrada won a big margin of votes against his closest opponent, Speaker Jose de Venecia during the 1998 presidential elections.

Estrada’s sentimental return to Bataan will kick off his visit to other northern provinces as part of his “Lakbay Pasasalamat,” tour which is expected to attract thousands of residents to welcome him upon his arrival in the morning by helicopter in Dinalupihan town where Garcia and his political rival former chairman Felicito Payumo of the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) and his nephew Dinalupihan Mayor Joel Payumo will hold a short program.

Estrada’s entourage will later hold a motorcade to Orani town where a huge crowd organized by the municipal officials led by Mayor Benjie Serrano, Senate President Manny Villar and Bataan 1st District Rep. Herminia Roman will welcome the former president at the town plaza.