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Nothing illustrates better Senate President Manuel Villar’s
winning ways than his present cozy ties with former President Joseph
“Erap” Estrada. The two shared the same stage when they visited
several towns in Bataan last Wednesday. Erap loves being in the
limelight but on that day, he shared center stage with Villar but he
did not even mind.
Seven years ago, at the height of Erap’s
impeachment trial, such a scene would have been unthinkable. Yet,
here they were, with Villar singing hosannas to Erap and Erap
extolling Villar’s rise from poverty to become one of the richest
in Asia. Not only that, Erap also expressed willingness to support
Villar in 2010 IF the latter is chosen the official candidate of the
opposition.
Of course, there had been previous signs of the
improved relations between the two. The first was when Erap endorsed
Villar to the opposition ticket in 2007. Next was the support of
Sen. Jinggoy Estrada for Villar instead of for Sen. Aquilino
Pimentel in the election of the Senate President. Until this time, I
am still amazed that Villar was able to win Erap over. Oh well, that
“politics is the art of the possible” is no idle saying after
all.
Now, going back to Erap’s quest for a lone
opposition candidate for president in 2010. I am still unconvinced
that this is possible. There is no holding back the candidacy of
Senators Loren Legarda, Mar Roxas and Ping Lacson. They will run
come hell or high water. However, I am almost convinced that Erap is
leaning toward Villar. Former Sen. Ernesto “Manong” Maceda said
that Erap had invited Villar to two previous sorties after getting
executive clemency but Villar had begged off because of prior
commitments.
If the trip to Bataan were any indication, then
I can say that Erap still commands a strong following. This should
be food for thought for any presidential aspirant who might be
considering running without his support. The shrieking audience was
still there. Erap still knows how to captivate his audience. Oh
well, Bataan after all is opposition country. In the 2007 senatorial
election, the only administration candidate who won there were
Edgardo Angara and Joker Arroyo. Erap, FPJ, Dr. Loi and Jinggoy
Estrada all won in Bataan in their respective election years. So, it
is no surprise that Erap got a rousing welcome there.
Surprising scenario
What was surprising was the presence of Bataan
Gov. Tet Garcia and former Bataan Rep. Tong Payumo on the same stage
with Erap and SP Villar in Dinalupihan. Payumo’s presence is
understandable. After all, he is from the town, the mayor Joel
Payumo is his nephew, and he has been close to Erap since 1987. In
fact, Erap’s Administrative Order No. 1 installed Tong as chairman
of the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority in place of now Sen. Dick
Gordon.
Tet’s presence is another matter. He had said
that he was there merely to welcome a guest to the province.
However, this does not explain his glowing praises of Erap,
including the claim that Erap is the only person in the country who
can bring opposing personalities together.
A call I received from a friend in Balanga,
Bataan, however, painted a picture other than a hospitable governor.
This friend said that Tet did not just welcome Erap in Dinalupihan—he
actually went to the residence of Erap in Polk street, San Juan,
last Wednesday and even hitched a ride on Erap’s helicopter in
going to Bataan. In the process, Tet bumped off former Agrarian
Reform Secretary Horacio “Boy” Morales who was supposed to have
ridden with Erap. Certainly, this does not speak of a governor who
is out merely to give a ceremonial welcome to a dignitary.
My caller said that Tet is now trying to
ingratiate himself with Erap because he realizes that once President
Arroyo is gone, he would find it hard to get Malacañang’s
assistance. Hmmm. Could it be possible that Tet now considers GMA a
lame-duck President?
Early campaigning
Erap’s party to Bataan included Rep. TG
Guingona of Bukidnon, former Rep. Gilbert Remulla of Cavite and
former opposition spokesman Adel Tamano. “Manong” Ernie Maceda
said that the three are being considered for the opposition’s
senatorial slate in 2010. Of the three, I am more acquainted with
Gilbert who once covered the House while still with ABS-CBN and
before his election to the House. I hope he will make it, although
he has to do a lot of spadework because he still lacks national
exposure.
TG Guingona, son of former Vice-President Tito
Guingona was the only one among the three who appeared to be on a
campaign mode. He spoke more than the allotted one minute and gave
promises of better economy and less graft.
efrendanao2003@yahoo.com
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