Estrada wants Guia Gomez as next San Juan mayor

MANILA, Philippines - Former President Joseph Estrada said he will endorse former actress Guia Gomez should she decide to run for mayor of San Juan City in 2010.

Gomez’s son by Estrada, JV Ejercito, is on his third term as San Juan mayor and it is not yet clear whether he will run for congressman or senator.

“Of course, I know her personally. She has nothing in mind but good things for San Juan,” Estrada said when asked if he will endorse Gomez for mayor, but added that nothing is final yet. “The 2010 elections is still very far. So we have to see first.”

Estrada also described as “hearsay and rumor” speculations that his son, Sen. Jinggoy Estrada, is fielding another mayoralty candidate in the city. Jinggoy is Estrada’s son by his wife, former senator Dr. Luisa Ejercito-Estrada.

Sources said Councilor Francis Zamora, son of San Juan City Rep. Ronaldo Zamora, is eyeing the post of vice mayor. The younger Zamora has been very visible in the opening ceremonies of inter-color and inter-barangay basketball leagues in various barangays in San Juan City.        – Jose Rodel Clapano