“It’s understandable that they try to pull us down kasi mataas pa rin kami sa surveys ng senatoriables,” he says. “Pero ako, di ko na lang pinapatulan kasi hahaba pa yan. And I want to give them respect, that’s their own opinion. But although I think okay lang na magrespetuhan, sana naman, huwag yung below the belt at pinepersonal na.”
Jinggoy Estrada with daughter Jannela, vice mayor of San Juan |
What’s his birthday wish? “Siempre, sana manalo ako para makabalik ako sa senado. I also wish my daughter Janella would win as San Juan Mayor and Edu as congressman. Pero siempre, this early, iniintriga na kami. Kapag naging mayor daw si Janella, tiyak na ako rin ang magpapatakbo ng San Juan, which is not true. Janella is so serious and dedicated now as the vice mayor. Naging vice mayor din ako noon, but mas marami siyang nagawa sa’kin during her term kasi umiikot talaga siya sa mga barangay to help the people. She also has a mind of her own at kayang-kaya niya patakbuhin ang San Juan without relying on me or anyone.”
Jinggoy is thankful because during his visit to various provinces like Pangasinan, Iloilo, Nueva Ecija, Negros, Albay and Leyte, the public received him very warmly. “Nakakatuwa dahil napakainit pa rin ng pagtanggap sa‘kin kahit saan ako magpunta. Lahat, gusto makipag-selfie sa akin. Tinawag ako noong ‘Anak ng Masa’ at patuloy akong magsisilbing boses ng masang Pilipino sa senado.”
Jinggoy is running under the Pwersa ng Masang Pilipino (PMP), the political party put up by his own dad, Joseph “Erap” Estrada, who is also running for reelection as Mayor of Manila. He is also endorsed by Hugpong ng Pagbabago (HHP), the party led by Davao Mayor Sara Duterte.