Erap endorses Bongbong's 2016 VP bid

Manila Mayor and former President Joseph Ejercito Estrada on Saturday endorsed the 2016 vice presidential bid of Senator Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr.

 

“Isang karangalan para sa akin na i-endorso ang ating kagalanggalang na senador, walang iba kungdi ang Senator Bongbong Marcos,” Estrada said in a speech at the Puerta Real Garden in Intramuros, Manila, even before Marcos formally announced his vice presidential run.

 

“Itong araw na ito bilang ating kandidato sa pagkapangalawang pangulo ng ating bansang Pilipinas sa darating na halalan sa susunod na taon. Hindi ako nagdalawang isip at lalong hindi ako nahirapan na gawin an desisyon na ito,” Estrada added.

 

Estrada, who was all praises for the 58-year-old senator, highlighted Marcos' qualifications as a vice presidential candidate with his extensive experience as a senator and former governor of Ilocos Norte.

The former president has yet to to endorse a presidential candidate.

In an earlier statement, Estrada said that he will have to make the difficult decision of choosing between Sen. Grace Poe and Vice President Jejomar Binay.

Poe is the daughter of Estrada's best friend, the late Fernando Poe Jr. while Binay is his "kumpadre."
 

Aside from the mother of Marcos, Ilocos Norte Rep. Imelda Marcos, Sen. Juan Ponce Enrile was also present during Marcos' proclamation.

Marcos is the fifth politician to throw in his hat in the 2016 vice presidential race.

 

Those who have earlier declared their intention to run for president in 2016 were Senators Francis "Chiz" Escudero, Alan Peter Cayetano, Antonio Trillanes IV and Camarines Sur Rep. Leni Robredo.

 

Senator Gringo Honasan has yet to accept Binay's offer to become his running mate and join the vice presidential race. —ALG, GMA News