Leyte Rep. Martin Romualdez has topped the list of senatorial candidates being supported by Manila Mayor Joseph Estrada, who is widely believed to wield the ‘magic’ to win over voters in his city.
In his previous meetings with community leaders in Manila, Estrada sought the residents’ support for his preferred senatorial candidates, saying they are the leaders the country need to uplift the lives of every Filipino and bring progress to the nation.
One of them, he said, is Romualdez who authored the recently signed law that exempts people with disability from paying the 12-percent value added tax on certain goods and services.
President Benigno Aquino III has signed the PWD bill into law after two-and-a half months since it was ratified by Congress. Romualdez authored the House version of the PWD law.
“We have to support Congressman Martin Romualdez, president of the Philippine Constitution Association. Ang pinagmamalaking anak ng Leyte, at pamangkin sa talampakan ng unang mayor ng Maynila na si Miguel Lopez Romualdez,” said Estrada.
The other senatorial bets endorsed by Estrada are incumbent Manila Vice Mayor Isko Moreno, former Valenzuela City mayor Sherwin Gatchalian, former journalist and Akbayan Party-List Rep. Risa Hontiveros, Bayan Muna Party-List Rep. Neri Colmenares, former Metro Manila Development Authority chairman Francis Tolentino, Sarangani Rep. Manny Pacquiao, Senator Serge Osmeña, former Technical Education and Skills Development Authority head Joel Villanueva, and former senators Miguel Zubiri, Richard Gordon and Panfilo Lacson.
Estrada is also actively campaigning for his goddaughter, presidential candidate Senator Grace Poe, and vice presidential bet Senator Ferdinand Marcos Jr.
Just like her father, the late actor Fernando Poe Jr., Poe is believed by Estrada to take care of the poor and the oppressed should she become the next president.
“Whoever we are, we owe it to the poor people,” Estrada said of himself and FPJ, his close friend. “Grace Poe, I’m sure, is for the people. If ever she becomes president, she will also give priority to the masses.”
Candidates running for national and local elections often seek the endorsement of Estrada, who is to known to still wield the so-called “Erap magic” that many believe could bring crucial votes in the elections.