Estrada's mom happy over birthday blooper

Oops.

Today is the birthday of President Estrada's mother. But Maria Marcelo vda. de Ejercito is turning 95 -- not 92 as reported last Sunday in The STAR.

The error originated from a birthday party invitation handed out by Malacañang.

Mr. Estrada himself, naturally, pointed out the faux pas. "Ang Mama ko is turning 95. So it will be a grand celebration," he told The STAR yesterday.

Mr. Estrada said his mother was visibly happy when it was reported last Sunday that he would spend the day with her.

The President and his Cabinet were supposed to go tomorrow on a cross-country tour of nine key cities and towns in nine provinces. He had it reset.

Palace sources told The STAR that the President was all ears about the tour, dubbed the "Government on Wheels -- Caravan for Peace and Unity." But when told it would start May 2, Mr. Estrada quickly reacted: "Birthday ng Mama ko iyon (That's my Mama's birthday)."

Mr. Estrada speaks fondly of his mother whom he personally cares for every weekend in their Greenhills, San Juan home.

"Sana mabuhay pa siya ng mahaba sapagkat sa kasalukuyan ay wala na akong ama at yung pumalit sa aking ama, ang matanda kong kapatid na doctor ay pumanaw na rin. Tanging siya na lang ang natitirang inspirasyon ko. Kaya ang aking panalangin sa Poong Maykapal ay pahabain pa ang buhay ng aking mahal na ina," he said, imparting his wish that his mother live a while longer since she was the only inspiration he has left after the death of his father and elder brother.

Mr. Estrada said the entire clan will have a private celebration.

Meanwhile, an opposition congressman belittled the presidential caravan, calling it a "circus" to prop up the President's sagging popularity.

"It's not 'Government on Wheels' as Malacañang portrays it to be, but gimmickry in motion. It's a roadshow whose aim is to bring (up) the President's popularity from the grave," said House Assistant Minority Leader Michael Defensor (LP, Quezon City).

According to Press Secretary Ricardo Puno, the tour is part of the President's plan to bring the government closer to the people. Mr. Estrada will inaugurate projects, consult with local officials and residents, among others.

So far, no new date has been set for the tour. Aside from its launch coinciding with the birthday of Mr. Estrada's mother, Puno said earlier the tour was also postponed because of scheduling problems and concerns that the President might be accused of campaigning early for 2001 mid-term elections. --