Bicol political leaders endorse Erap

MANILA, Philippines - Political leaders in the Bicol region, led by Rep. Joseph Santiago, has endorsed the presidential bid of former President Joseph Estrada.

In a meeting held Thursday in Virac, Catanduanes, Santiago reminded the political leaders coming from the Nationalist People’s Coalition (NPC), that funds for the construction of their sports complex, the Virac Municipal Hall and some road improvements were released during Estrada’s administration.

Santiago said the people of Virac were also grateful for Estrada’s immediate assistance following the lashing their town received from typhoon ‘Loleng’ (international code name: Babs) in 1998.

Estrada released two sacks of rice to each of the typhoon victims, considered one of the most destructive to ever visit the Philippines where an estimated P6.787 billion worth of properties were damaged.

Aside from Santiago, the other political leaders in Bicol who endorsed Estrada’s presidential bid include former National Electrification Administration (NEA) assistant administrator Noli Sanchez who will be seeking a congressional seat, and Virac Mayor Zafe Santos.

House Deputy Speaker Noli Fuentebella and Rep. Jose Solis, his wife, Flor of Sorsogon also endorsed Estrada’s candidacy. In Daet, Camarines Norte, Estrada proclaimed Vice Governor Roy Padilla (NPC) as the official candidate of the United Opposition for governor in the province.

Estrada embarked on a motorcade around central Daet and Mercedes town where he was welcomed by thousands of people.

Busloads of supporters from the towns of Labo, Jose Panganiban, Paracale and Sta. Elena joined the crowds for the proclamation rally in Vinzons town.

Estrada was joined by former senator Kit Tatad, one of UNO’s senatorial candidates for 2010, congressional bets Apolinario Lozada, Rep. J.V. Bautista and Joey de Venecia.

Under Estrada’s leadership, the opposition’s list of candidates for local elective posts has been growing steadily, with 70 candidates for congressional posts already officially endorsed by the former president.

The opposition’s list of gubernatorial and vice gubernatorial bets is also filling up rapidly, with the following already receiving Estrada’s nod: Fernando Miguel & Junette Hurtado for governor and vice-governor, respectively of South Cotabato; Gov. Rhodora Cadiao and Fernando Corvera, Antique; Vice Gov. Jesus Redaja & Jojo Grey, Samar; Vice Gov. Roy Padilla & Senen Jerez, Camarines Norte; E.R. Ejercito Estregan & Ellen Reyes, Laguna; Melencio de Sagun & Gen. Real Pureza, Cavite; Alex Wangkay & Simplicio Latasa, Davao del Sur; Pedro Bacani & David Richard Longid, Quirino; and Atty. Michael Paderangan and Vicvic Chavez, Misamis Oriental, and Casimiro “Jun-Jun” Ynares III & Frisco San Juan Jr., Rizal.