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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider Strange bedfellows: Erap asks GMA to 'run again'; volunteers as her campaign manager

Strange bedfellows: Erap asks GMA to 'run again'; volunteers as her campaign manager

Published Apr 4, 2022 06:29 pm

LUBAO, Pampanga--Politics, indeed, makes strange bedfellows. Bad blood created by the 2001EDSA II revolution that saw then-President Joseph Estrada step down from office, and his Vice President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo assume the presidency may be forgotten for the sake of relevance in the current political landscape.

Over 20 years after EDSA II, Estrada--tongue in cheek or not--has urged fellow former President Arroyo to "run again". Not only that, but "Erap" also insisted to become her campaign manager.

(From left to right) Former President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte, Pampanga Vice Governor Lilia Pineda and senatorial candidate Robin Padilla (Lakas-CMD Media)

Estrada made this request Monday afternoon, April 4, in a phone call with Arroyo, who was having an advance public birthday celebration with UniTeam Senate slate members and vice presidential bet Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte.

The conversation was on loudspeaker and could be heard by the several thousands of Kapampangans in attendance at the event.

"Maligayang kaarawan sa inyo (Happy birthday to you)," Estrada told Arroyo, who replied, "Same to you po sa (on) April 19."

He then prodded his fellow former Malacañang resident to "run again", although he didn't mention for which position. It should be noted that Arroyo--and Estrada, for that matter--are prevented by the Constitution from vying for the presidency a second time.

"Sana po tumakbo kayo ulit (I hope you run again), ako po ang magpi-prisintang campaign manager niyo (I will apply as your campaign manager)," Estrada said. So unexpected was his request that it elicited laughter from the mostly reserved Lubao crowd.

The former Pampanga congresswoman's reply was an unresponsive "Salamat (Thank you)," despite being visibly amused.

"I hope you run again, I'll be your campaign manager," Estrada insisted, adding "We need you, we need you" to convince her.

Arroyo responded by repeatedly saying "Thank you" and by also telling the former Manila Mayor that "We need you also."

They finished their short conversation by exchanging wishes of "More power to you."

Arroyo, a former House Speaker, is actually running in the May 9 polls. She is seeking a return to the House of Representatives as Pampanga 2nd district representative.

Arroyo will turn 75 tomorrow, April 5 while Estrada will turn 85 on April 19.

Arroyo was Estrada's vice president during his tenure as chief executive from 1998 to 2001. The latter's alleged connection to jueteng (illegal numbers game) payoff scandal led to EDSA II, where he peacefully overthrown.

Related Tags

gloria macapagal-arroyo Pampanga 40422 run again we need you Sara Duterte joseph estrada birthday UniTeam
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