Chavit: Estrada will suffer fate worse than Marcos

VIGAN, Ilocos Sur — A fate worse than what befell the late dictator Ferdinand Marcos.

This was what Ilocos Sur Gov. Luis Singson predicted would happen to President Estrada, his former drinking buddy, whose administration has been pushed to the brink because of the jueteng scandal exposed by the governor.

"All his properties will be confiscated," said Singson, who, despite the 14-hour road trip from Manila, was visibly perked up by the rousing welcome accorded him by his constituents.

He also laughed off claims by two National Bureau of Investigation witnesses linking him to the murder of Ilocos Sur Rep. Floro Crisologo in 1970.

Singson said the accusation was obviously masterminded by Malacañang because, he claimed, operatives of the Presidential Security Group battalion are in Ilocos allegedly trying to recruit people to testify against him.

He challenged authorities to have the witnesses undergo a lie-detector test. "They’ll all fail; they were paid by Malacañang," he said.

He said that the charge is part of the alleged "white paper" prepared by the administration against the enemies of Mr. Estrada.

The governor left Manila past midnight and motored in at 2 p.m. here yesterday. The trip was delayed by several stopovers in various Ilocos Sur towns to afford him the chance to greet people along the road who were waiting for him.

Red ribbons were tied around trees and electric posts along the national highway where Singson’s convoy passed. Various streamers read: "Viva Chavit," "Ilocandia’s Hero," and "Erap Resign."

He was met in Bantay town, on the outskirts of Vigan, by his loyal mayors who carried a huge streamer proclaiming "Walang iwanan." Accompanied by the mayors, the crowd and his entourage, Singson then walked along the 300-meter stretch of road to the provincial capitol where he expressed his gratitude for his provincemates’ warm welcome.

After a brief speech at the steps of the capitol, Singson and his party proceeded to the governor’s Baluarte residence aboard his vehicle, but they could hardly catch their breath as more people welcomed him there.