Laguna gov calls for unity

MANILA, Philippines - Gov. ER Ejercito Estregan called for political unity in Laguna yesterday after the camp of losing gubernatorial candidate Dennis Lazaro withdrew his electoral protest against him.

 “I offer my hand of friendship to all as we carry on with pressing tasks of improving the lives of the people,” he said, adding that it is now time to “move on and leave this divisive issue behind us.”

“Let us all join hands and collectively tackle head on the pressing issues that need to be addressed,” Ejercito, a nephew of former President Joseph Estrada, added.

Lazaro withdrew his complaint questioning the results of the May 2010 elections in the province of Laguna five days after the recount of the ballots ordered by the Commission on Elections. The recount in 80 clustered precincts showed that Ejercito got 18,907 votes from 80 clustered precincts while Lazaro had only 11,052.

“They said they wanted to buy peace and take a break from politics. They must have realized that Ejercito really won the elections. The recount showed there was no irregularity,” Angelito Garcia, Lazaro’s lawyer said.