Bong: Jinggoy is my friend, but... - STAR BYTES by Butch Francisco

Governor Ramon "Bong" Revilla, Jr.’s residence in Imus, Cavite has always been a hub of activity. But since he made news by turning anti-Erap a few days ago, his house seems about ready to burst at the seams with all sorts of visitors: mayors and councilors from the different towns of Cavite, barangay officials and other staunch supporters — plus mediamen hounding him for interviews.

The afternoon Startalk paid him a visit, he got a call from former President Corazon C. Aquino to attend the 5 p.m. mass at EDSA. He quickly changed into a black shirt which is in keeping with the color of the political season.

These past couple of days, Bong and wife Lani Mercado haven’t had enough sleep and this is beginning to show in their hardly audible voices.

No doubt, his having turned anti-Erap has been the most difficult decision he had to make in his life since he had to turn his back on his father, Senator Ramon Revilla, his best friend, San Juan Mayor Jinggoy Estrada and the principal sponsor at his wedding, President Joseph Estrada.

According to Lani Mercado, Senator Aquilino Pimentel’s emotional resignation last Tuesday night at the Senate Hall was what prompted her and her husband, Bong to sever political ties with President Estrada. "I cried when I saw Senator Aquilino Pimentel resign," says Lani.

Bong’s decision to shift to the other side of the political fence was readily accepted by his father, Senator Ramon Revilla, who is now one of the most vilified people in the country today.

"Daddy understands and respects this decision I made," offers Bong. "But the situation we were put in was very difficult for us because my father-in law is also involved here," adds Lani.

Bong and Lani however, are just too glad to say that even if the Revillas are divided politically, they are still whole as a family. Never mind if Bong and Lani’s teenage son, Jolo — intelligent as he is — couldn’t understand why his grandfather had to vote "No" on the issue whether the second envelope should be opened or not. (Bong and Lani’s older kids also joined them in the EDSA anti-Erap rallies.)

Bong’s main concern now is the status of his friendship with Jinggoy Estrada.

Every showbiz observer, of course, is aware of the fact that Bong, Jinggoy, Rudy Fernandez and Phillip Salvador are the best of buddies. Theirs is a deep friendship that is sometimes even resented by their respective wives.

Bong, however, has a special bonding with Jinggoy. "Jinggoy is my best friend," Bong insists. "The last thing I’d want to do is hurt Jinggoy’s feelings. But I have to go to EDSA for the sake of the country."

When interviewed on television, Mayor Jinggoy Estrada said that he was really surprised by this sudden political move on the part of Bong Revilla. To think that they still talked on the phone prior to Bong’s journey to EDSA.

Actually, Bong feels bad about not having told Jinggoy his plan to join the EDSA rallies. He really wanted to — except that "I didn’t know how to tell him..."

Bong called up instead Phillip Salvador, whose advice to him was "to think things over carefully."

So far, Bong hasn’t spoken yet to Rudy Fernandez. And it may take quite some time before Bong and Jinggoy get to talk to each other again. "Pero kahit ano pa ang mangyari, Jinggoy is still my friend," concludes Bong.

Well, I can only hope and pray that Jinggoy feels the same way.