Erap saved by ‘yosi’ break

MANILA, Philippines - Going for a cigarette or “yosi” break saved Manila mayoral candidate and former President Joseph Estrada from being hurt when hecklers started throwing stones during Saturday’s rally in Sampaloc.

“It’s fortunate that I went down the stage and had a cigarette. My smoking saved me,” Estrada said in a radio interview with dzRH yesterday morning.

“Smoking saves lives,” he joked.

During the May 4 rally, held at the corner of Maria Clara and Crisostomo streets, rocks and beer bottles were thrown on stage as re-electionist Vice Mayor Isko Moreno delivered his campaign speech.

One of Moreno’s aides was hit on the head, while a female staff member of a candidate for the city council was injured. Both were taken to the Ospital ng Sampaloc.

A video of the incident showed Councilor Jo Quintos in shock after a rock hit her left arm. Quintos’ seat on stage was initially occupied by Estrada, who had gone backstage to smoke as well as chat and pose for pictures with residents.

Estrada’s ticket cancelled its activities Sunday. He said his team is considering instituting security measures to prevent similar incidents from happening for the days left in the campaign period.

‘Hit me’

Mayor Alfredo Lim, on the other hand, denied allegations that his camp was behind the incident. His chief of staff, Ric de Guzman, called the incident “scripted” and believes it was a case of “hit me.”

“What’s next? Ambush me? Our opponents are desperate because they know Manila residents won’t accept them,” De Guzman said.

He added that all political surveys done by independent parties, including those from Estrada’s camp, show Lim leading by large margins.

De Guzman said those who saw the video noted that the reaction of Estrada and his bodyguards reportedly did not seem “normal,” indicating the incident may have been staged.

He also laughed off the claim made by Estrada’s camp that around 10,000 people attended the rally, saying it is impossible for such a large number of people to fit in the venue.

De Guzman said the allegations are suspect since Estrada and Moreno have been pushing for the city to be declared an election hotspot and put under the control of the Commission on Elections. – With Rey Galupo