Ping: Erap nod not needed to run in opposition slate - Malaya 10.30.2006

POLL TEMPERATURE WARMING

SEN. Panfilo Lacson yesterday shot down claims of Rufus Rodriguez, spokesman of President Joseph Estrada, that inclusion in next year’s opposition senatorial slate requires Estrada’s nod.
"Hindi, hindi ganoon ang usapan. Hindi naman kailangang magmano ka kay former President Erap para ma-isama ka," Lacson said in a radio interview.
Lacson is eligible for re-election.

"Ang totoo niyan, ang incumbent ang nag-uusap-usap kung papaano magkakaroon ng coalition, kung sino ang puwedeng isama na siguradong mananalo at kaaya-ayang kasama sa Senado," he said.

Lacson said that last month he saw Estrada at his detention rest house in Tanay, Rizal and the latter never told him of such an arrangement.

"Na-create na perception iyan because of Rodriguez, pero hindi ganoon ang sitwasyon," he said.

Estrada was unseated in 2001 but still wields considerable influence among the masses. His wife, Sen. Luisa Ejercito, won in the 2001 while his son, Sen. "Jinggoy" Estrada won in 2004.

Lacson said it would be awkward if the next Senate would be like "a family reunion."

"Hindi naman sa tinatawaran natin ang kanilang kakayanan, pero kakatwa ang sitwasyon.

Baka magkahiwalay pa ng aisles, magkapatid na hindi pa magkasama sa aisle (partido), pero iyan ang demokrasya," he said.

A sister and brother team could shape up if Pia Cayetano’s brother Taguig-Pateros Rep. Alan Peter wins. – Dennis Gadil