Binay, Estrada dynasties vow to deliver for UNA

MANILA, Philippines — Vice President Jejomar Binay and former President Joseph Estrada lead the opposition in week one of the local campaign period. 

The United Nationalist Alliance’s campaign in its bailiwicks reveals the complex dynamics of local and family politics.

Ayee Macaraig reports.

JEJOMAR BINAY

VICE PRESIDENT

The son is better than the father. Magaling po si Junjun. Mas magaling sa aking magsalita. Ang natitira na lang kagwapuhan ko.

For the opposition, it’s family first.

The United Nationalist Alliance kicks off the local campaign period in its home turf, visiting the bailiwicks of its top leaders.

After the grand rally of former President Joseph Estrada in Manila, UNA senatorial bets visit Laguna, San Juan, Makati, and Tarlac.

In Laguna, UNA endorses Estrada’s nephew, Governor ER Ejercito, for re-election.

But it’s in San Juan where things heat up.

Estrada raises the hand of his son, senatorial bet and San Juan Rep JV Ejercito, and gives full support for his mother, re-electionist Mayor Guia Gomez, one of Estrada’s girlfriends.

The former President’s granddaughter, Janella, is also running for councilor.

The mayor of San Juan for 17 years, Estrada defends his dynasty, saying it delivers not just votes but also services.

JOSEPH ESTRADA

FORMER PRESIDENT

I was the first one to put up the first municipal high school here. Si JV naman put up the first college here, I put up the Freshmart Agora market here, si JV naman put up the first hospital here. ‘Di ba may continuity?

Yet there’s a flipside to family politics.

Ejercito earns the ire of brother Sen Jinggoy Estrada over reports he snubbed his  daughter, Janella – a charge Ejercito denies.

Jinggoy is Estrada’s son with his wife, former Sen Loi Estrada.

JINGGOY ESTRADA

PHILIPPINE SENATOR

Sana ‘wag na niya idamay ang anak ko kung anuman ang namamagitan sa amin.

Senator Estrada also skips the rally.

Unlike his father and brother, he is not supporting former Executive Secretary Ronaldo Zamora’s congressional bid.

Family cracks also show in Tarlac.

Even if senatorial bet, former Gov Tingting Cojuangco and husband former congressman Peping Cojuangco led the province for years, Tarlac is known as the bailiwick of their nephew, President Aquino.

UNA though counts on a sweep in Binay country.

Makati is home to 3 Binays running in May: Re-electionists Mayor Junjun Binay and Congresswoman Abigail Binay-Campos, and senatorial bet Nancy Binay.

If they all win, there will be 4 Binays in government.

JUNJUN BINAY

MAKATI MAYOR

Kahit manalo ang 2 kapatid ko, isang kongresista at isang senador, hindi naman ibig sabihin noon na hawak naming ang Kongreso. Ang mga kapatid ko ay isa lamang sa mga kinatawan halimbawa sa Senado at sa Kongreso.

The Binays say Makati’s progress boosts their pitch for national positions.

All in the family.

UNA counts on the machinery and popularity of its dynasties.

But with the complex dynamics of local politics, supporting the same candidates is not always a family affair.

Ayee Macaraig, Rappler. – Rappler.com