Estrada plays Santa to QC residents, orphans

Pardoned former President Joseph Estrada played Santa Claus yesterday to residents of Payatas and North Triangle in Quezon City and orphans in Damas de Filipinas in Manila.

Residents of Payatas and North Triangle warmly welcomed Estrada, who was accompanied by his wife, former senator Loi Estrada, Makati Mayor Jejomar Binay and former Senate president Ernesto Maceda.

He distributed gift bags to some 5,000 residents, who chanted his name and shouted when Maceda announced that Estrada may possibly run anew for president in the 2010 elections.

Estrada maintained that he has no plans to run for president as of the moment.

“I am conducting rounds through my Lakbay Pasasalamat to bring my case to the people. I am campaigning because I have no plans to run as of now,” Estrada said.

Estrada said that he cannot repay the poor Filipinos for the unconditional support they have given him.

At 3 p.m., Estrada went to the Damas de Filipinas institution in Manila where he distributed coloring books and gift bags to 79 orphans and 71 caregivers.

He also shared a meal of spaghetti, apples and ice cream with the orphans and their caregivers. – Jose  Rodel Clapano