JV to run for senator

San Juan Mayor Joseph Victor "JV" Ejercito has announced he would be running for senator in the coming elections, noting that his decision was based on the strong clamor from his supporters and the results of a Pulse Asia survey that placed him in the Magic 12.

"Kung naisin ng mamamayan na maging senador ang inyong lingkod, sino ba naman tayo para tumanggi," Ejercito told newsmen at a restaurant in Greenhills, San Juan last Wednesday night.

Ejercito, son of former President Joseph Estrada, is serving his second term as mayor of the municipality.

"Kung ako ang tatanungin, mas gusto ko pa ring tapusin muna ang termino ng aking panunungkulan sa dakilang bayan ng San Juan para makumpleto ko sana ang mga binabalak ko para sa aming bayan," he said.

The former president, who is detained at his resthouse in Tanay for plunder charges, reportedly wants the San Juan mayor to replace his wife, Loi, in the opposition’s Senate slot in the coming polls.

Since last year, the senator has made it known that she is not seeking re-election.

According to the mayor, his father promised to fully support him in his Senate bid.

Results of a recent Pulse Asia survey has placed the San Juan mayor in the 8th to 12th slotd of the Senate derby.

Ejercito also received a high 95 percent rating in terms of awareness among respondents.

He credited this to the issues he raised against the Arroyo administration and his recent spat with Ilocos Sur Gov. Luis "Chavit" Singson.

The survey also showed that the entire Magic 12 of the Senate would go to the opposition, the San Juan mayor said.

"Mga bata ang gusto ng mga tao. Di tulad sa administration, mga traditional politicians ang kanilang kandidato," he added.

Ejercito said the survey results only showed the disenchantment of the public with the government of President Arroyo.

"This is why the administration is pushing for Charter change so that there would be no elections next year," he said.

Ejercito is one of the leaders of the United Opposition (UNO). He has been at the forefront of UNO’s protest actions against the government since his father was ousted by a popular revolt in 2001. — Non Alquitran