NEWS

IN execs welcome Erap

 

By Leilanie G. Adriano

Staff Reporters

 

ILOCOS NORTE Gov. Michael M. Keon led all Ilocos Norte officials as they took time put from their daily schedule to welcome former Pres. Joseph E. Estrada who visited the province on October 23.

The former president was on a two-day visit to the Ilocos region in a program dubbed “Lakbay Pasasalamat,” where he was accompanied by Makati Mayor Jejomar Binay and former Sen. Ernesto Maceda.

In a press conference at the Provincial Capitol, Estrada said he is going around the country to “feel the people” and at the same tome thank his supporters for their “unending” support despite his removal from power and his recent conviction by the Sandiganbayan.

He also stressed his intent to unite the opposition for them to have only one standard bearer in the upcoming 2010 elections.

According to the former President, among the potential opposition standard bearers include Sen. Manny Villar, Manuel Roxas II, Loren Legarda, Francis Escudero, Panfilo Lacson and Binay.

 “We need only one presidential candidate from the opposition to ensure victory in the next elections,” Estrada said, stressing, “We must learn our lesson from the past.”

Erap also vowed that if the opposition would be unable to get their acts together, he would be forced to take drastic actions.

 “If they cannot unit, I will be forced to run,” Estrada said.

Meanwhile, Maceda told members of the local media that Rep. Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. was supposed to meet them at the Laoag International Airport but for some reason Marcos was not able to make it.

Maceda added that there have been some “unconfirmed” reports that Malacañang has been trying to prevent Estrada from going around the country.

Earlier, Keon said that the provincial government would love to welcome the former President, eight years after his last visit to the province. During his last visit, Estrada donated about P20 million for the rehabilitation of the Ilocos Norte Sports Stadium, now renamed Pres. Ferdinand E. Marcos Sports Stadium.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Ilocos Times copyright 2008

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