JV says relationship with Erap getting better
BATANGAS CITY – Reelectionist Senator JV Ejercito said his relationship with his father, Manila Mayor Joseph Estrada was improving after it was strained by political disagreements.
“Much better now, we don’t talk much of the political side but at least we started talking kasi medyo matagal din kami hindi nag-usap,” Ejercito said in a media interview.
Ejercito, who is a candidate of the Nationalist People’s Coalition (NPC), was endorsed by President Duterte during a PDP-Laban rally in Batangas Wednesday as one of the party’s guest candidates.
Despite his hectic campaign schedule, Ejercito said he tries to attend his father’s rallies in Manila to show his support.
He added that Estrada asked him what he needs and even volunteered to appear in his TV ads.
“I’m still hoping my luck whatever happens, kahit di man kami nagkasundo sa nangyari at least naisip ko 82 (years old) na ang father ko, we just have to make the most out of it, di naman dahil dito sa politika magkakalimutan tayo, he will always be my father and I owe a lot to him,” the senator said.
In an earlier interview, Ejercito admitted that he and his father had a falling out when he decided to bolt their party, Pwersa ng Masang Pilipino (PMP) because he felt awkward running alongside his brother, Jinggoy Estrada.
Ejercito is banking that his track record and experience as a public servant will appeal to voters in May.
As chairman of the Senate Committee on Health, Ejercito counts the Universal Health Care Law as one of his major contributions.