Claims gaining support in Cebu: Estrada: I did not call her a cheat

CEBU, Philippines - Former President Joseph “Erap” Estrada yesterday vehemently denied reports that he called President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo a cheat.

“I did not say that. What I said is that if the opposition will not unite, chances are they will be cheated just like FPJ. I didn’t say that Gloria is a cheat,” Estrada clarified in an exclusive interview with The Freeman at the presidential suite of Waterfront Cebu City Hotel and Casino last night.

Estrada was quoted as having accused Arroyo of cheating in the 2004 elections particularly in Cebu where she won by over a million votes over Poe.

Political observers said that the resounding win was expected owing to the fact that Arroyo was the presidential bet of almost all candidates in the province even if these bets faced off against each other.

A reliable source very close to the former president, who refused to be named, also said that Estrada has practically forgiven everybody and has no rancor or hatred towards President Arroyo.

“Pinatawad na niya silang lahat. The President (Estrada) is a very forgiving person. Everyone should move on as much as he is moving on,” the source said.

Acknowledging that Arroyo has several supporters here, the former chief executive however said that little by little he is gaining support from the Cebuano masses.

Yesterday, Estrada went to the towns of Barili, Pinamungajan, and Carcar and to Toledo City.

“I am received by the people so warmly. I am surprised. I am thankful to the Cebuanos for their warmth,” the beaming Estrada.

The former president has been in Cebu since Saturday.

Estrada also said that within this month, he will be calling all the presidential aspirants from the opposition for a meeting to ask them to unite.

“The opposition has to unite. We should have only one candidate from the opposition to run as president para sure win. Pero kung hindi mangyayari yan, 100 percent I will run for president,” Estrada firmly said.

Estrada also hopes that those who had declared their intent to run for president and have no chance of winning should back out.

With his “Lakbay Pasasalamat” caravan, Estrada is feeling the pulse of the masses.

He also lauded the pro-poor programs of Cebu Governor Gwendolyn Garcia, whom he no fondly calls “kumare” as he was a principal sponsor of the wedding of the governor’s daughter, Christina Garcia Codilla to Liloan town Mayor Vincent Franco ‘Duke’ Frasco last Saturday.

Estrada said that the governor’s pro-poor programs are very similar to his.

“She is a pro-poor governor. I appreciate her,” Estrada said.

When asked whether he is counting on the support of the Cebu governor in the 2010 national and local elections, Estrada said in jest, “Her number one kumare (President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo) is not running. Who knows she will support her number one kumpare. It’s up to her.”

Arroyo was also a principal sponsor in the wedding held at the Cebu Metropolitan Cathedral. —/NLQ   (THE FREEMAN)