‘Erap magic’ still working in Cebu

By RIO ROSE RIBAYA
April 15, 2010, 4:55pm








Original Story: http://mb.com.ph/articles/252845/erap-magic-still-working-cebu


LAPU-LAPU CITY, Cebu - Pwersa ng Masang Pilipino (PMP) standard bearer former President Joseph "Erap" Estrada proved Wednesday evening that his magic is still working, drawing some 20,000 supporters to a rally during his second sortie in a province considered as an administration bailwick.

Estrada, who has consistently ranked third in presidential poll surveys since February, was overwhelmed by the constituents of Councilor Belong Darnayla, who was able to fill in a two-hectare vacant lot in Barangay Basak, Lapu-Lapu City just 23 days left in the campaign period.

"This just shows that I will get big votes here in Cebu. This is the biggest crowd in all my visits... I am encouraged to have a clear victory here," said Estrada, who failed to contain elation when he added: "I did not expect this much. I'm speechless."

"It really touched me. They keep on telling me that support for me is weakest in Cebu but you can see the response of the masses (through) the way they receive me. This is really overwhelming," Estrada said.

Housewife Geraldine Lomokso, 40, told the Manila Bulletin that she was only informed about Estrada's visit just a day before the grand rally was held in Barangay Basak, Lapu-Lapu City.

She and her neighbors came in full force, waiting for hours on end just to see Estrada, who they voted and helped win in the 1998 Presidential elections against former Speaker Jose "Joe" de Venecia Jr.


Original Story: http://mb.com.ph/articles/252845/erap-magic-still-working-cebu