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UNA kicks off party launch sans Erap


The official launch of Vice President Jejomar Binay’s political party, the United Nationalist Alliance (UNA), kicked off without the presence of one of its pillars, Manila Mayor Joseph "Erap" Estrada.

The former President was a no-show when the program started at around 2:30 p.m.

Minutes before the program started, UNA interim president and Navotas City Rep. Toby Tiangco said Estrada hasn’t sent word that he will skip the event.

“Wala naman siyang sinabing hindi siya pupunta. Ang sabi niya susubukan niya,” he said.

Tiangco earlier said he called up Estrada last Monday to personally invite him to the launch but the former President said he would have to check his schedule first.

Estrada is considered one of UNA’s pillars since the party started out as a coalition in 2010 with his own party, the Pwersa ng Masang Pilipino. The third pillar of the opposition, Senator Juan Ponce Enrile, is currently under hospital arrest in connection with the pork barrel scam.

Prior to the event, UNA spokesperson  Mon Ilagan said Estrada might be“contemplating” a number of things at present, including the prospect of supporting the possible presidential bid of Senator Grace Poe, the daughter of his close friend, the late action star Fernando Poe Jr.

But in a separate interview, Tiangco said he is certain that Estrada will support Binay’s candidacy. Asked if he has doubts whether Estrada will go for Poe, Tiangco answered in the negative.

Ilagan said while there is no rift between Estrada and Binay, they could resolve the differences they may have. “Kung sakalaing may kailangang paglilinaw, it’s only the VP and former President who could resolve the problem,” he said.

Despite Estrada's absence, UNA’s launch wasn’t lacking in star power. Seen at the launch were Senators Joseph Victor Ejercito and Gringo Honasan, boxing icon and Sarangani Rep. Manny Pacquiao, Cebu Rep. Gwendolyn Garcia, former Zambales Rep. Mitos Magsaysay and former Senate President Ernesto Maceda.

Also present at the event are Binay's family: his wife, former Makati Mayor Dr. Elenita Binay, son Mayor Junjun Binay, and daughters Senator Nancy Binay and Makati Rep. Abigail Binay. —KBK, GMA News

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