MANILA, Philippines - Coming from one of the country’s most popular and prominent political clans no doubt made it easy for Joseph Victor “JV†Ejercito Estrada to triumph in the previous elections.
But things may be different this time as political clans are faced with the issue of anti-dynasty, whose advocates have expressed opposition to the possibility of having a second Estrada in the Senate.
Some residents of San Juan City, where JV served for three terms as mayor and one-term congressman, disliked the senatorial bid of the son of former President Joseph Estrada.
“We won’t vote for him, for they’re a political dynasty,†said one resident, who noted that at least four members of the family are running in the coming election.
But JV is unaffected by the issue and even opted to use the popular surname of his father during campaign sorties of his political party, United Nationalist Alliance (UNA). He even expressed optimism that his brother, incumbent Sen. Jinggoy Estrada, would endorse his candidacy.
JV believes people only oppose those political clans that failed to perform and improve the lives of their constituents.
More than just his surname, he believes he has proven himself, and people would consider his accomplishments and vote for him.
JV’s supporters are likewise unfazed by the political dynasty issue. They believe he deserves to be a senator, being a good and humble person, who would be able to inspire the youth and serve the country well.
Results of election surveys show the 42-year-old Estrada is among the top six senatorial candidates.
Supporters said the UNA candidate need not say much during campaign rallies because he has already proven his worth as a leader, citing all the improvements made in San Juan during his term as mayor.
As mayor, JV was named as one of the country’s “Ten Outstanding Young Men,†was able to raise the city’s revenues, and fought hard for the interest of the youth.
If elected, he intends to work for his 13-point agenda, particularly in ensuring access to quality education for the youth. He wants the educational system to be more attuned to the job market.
JV vowed to push policies that would boost tourism growth, the agricultural sector, the quality of working environment, and full implementation of the Kasambahay Law.