Erap replaces JV with Roco's widow in UNO slate

President Estrada has replaced son Joseph Victor "JV" Ejercito with Sonia Roco, the widow of former senator Raul Roco, in the United Opposition's senatorial lineup, GMA Network's Saksi reported Thursday night. Raul lost in the 1998 presidential elections to then vice president Estrada. The late senator played a key role in the Senate impeachment trial of Estrada in 2000. Sonia Cubillo Malasarte Roco of Bohol, graduated magna cum laude from St. Joseph's College in Quezon City with a degree on Liberal Arts and a Bachelor of Science in Education. She was a leader of Student Catholic Action and the National Union of Students of the Philippines. Estrada earlier announced he has advised JV to withdraw from the May 14 senatorial. Ferdie Ramos, Estrada's media director, said the deposed leader has also asked his wife, Sen. Luisa Ejercito Estrada, not to seek reelection. Mrs Estrada is qualified for a second six-year term at the Senate. Ramos said Estrada has instead advised JV to seek reelection as San Juan mayor. JV is currently serving his first term as mayor. Ramos said the ousted leader did not give a categorical reason for his decision except that this was "for the greater interest of the opposition." "After many sleepless nights, (Estrada's) desire to ensure the formation of a broad, stronger and united coalition of anti-GMA (Gloria Macapagal Arroyo) forces prevailed over (his) paternal feelings to see his son become a senator," Ramos read from a statement, which he said was personally dictated to him by the deposed President. He also said the decision was meant to dispel speculations that he influenced the selection process of UNO's senatorial candidates. Mrs Estrada, in an interview with dzBB radio, accepted her husband's decision. "We talked last Monday and that was the agreement. He would tell JV not to run anymore but he does not want me to seek reelection, too. That has always been his position. He is the head of the family so I will follow his decision," she said. Estrada said his decision not to have either his wife or son participate in the May 14 mid-term elections had nothing to do with the issue of political dynasty raised by Malacañang and other opposition critics. "(My) decision to have JV withdaw was not in response to the issue of political dynasty raised (by Malacañang). Poll surveys have shown that this is a non-issue...this dynasty issue is being played up by Malacañang and its lackeys as part of their squid tactic to divert attention from the growing Macapagal-Arroyo conjugal dynasty," he said. He clarified, too, that he is not calling on House Deputy Minority Leader Alan Peter Cayetano or lawyer Aquilino "Koko" Pimentel III not to pursue their senatorial bids. Cayetano is brother of Sen. Pia Cayetano while Pimentel is the son of Senate Minority leader Aquilino Pimentel Jr. The younger Pimentel had already filed his certificate of candidacy. Estrada urged the electorate to "vote for candidates opposed to GMA's policies, (who would) question her legitimacy and hold her accountable for the wrong that she has done to the people." "Be vigilant, guard your votes because the cheating machinery (of the administration) is still in place. Neutralize the cheating and ensure that your true voices are heard loud and clear," he added. Estrada also promised: "I will always be for the Filipino people and if this means fighting this illegitimate regime, I will fight it with the last breathe I have." - GMANews.TV