JV Estrada now No. 3 in surveys

SAN Juan Representative Joseph Victor “JV” Estrada has tremendously improved his rating, with him now at the top three on the latest surveys among the senatorial candidates for the 2013 elections.

Representative Estrada, son of former President Joseph Estrada and Negrense Guia Gomez who is now the mayor of San Juan City, attributed his surge on the latest surveys to the Estrada name that he is now using.

"When I was using the Ejercito name, I was from number 7 to number 9. The use of the Estrada is the factor to which I attribute the surge of my ratings in the survey from 30 percent to 60 percent. That's a big boost to my candidacy," said the lawmaker, who is among the senatorial candidates of the United Nationalist Alliance-Partido Ng Masang Pilipino (UNA- PMP).

Estrada was in Bacolod City since Saturday for various events.

From the airport last Saturday, he flew aboard a chopper to San Carlos City with PMP members in the province Board Member Patrick Lacson and Vice Mayor Mark Andrew Golez of Silay City.

Estrada spoke before the barangay officials and local officials in the first district at San Carlos City People's Park. He then proceeded to Bacolod City after a dinner hosted by San Carlos City Mayor Gerardo Valmayor.

"Your support is very encouraging. I also assure you of my support, if ever elected to be your half Negrense senator," Estrada told Negrenses.

Today, Monday, Estrada will be the guest speaker during the opening of the 17th Sandugo-Unigames at the University of St. La Salle. He will also pay a courtesy call on Governor Alfredo Marañon Jr. at the Capitol.

Dynasty issue

Estrada pointed out that there are good and there are bad dynasties.

"We are in a democratic country. It would be a bad dynasty if you use guns and goons and if you use force and coerce people to vote for you. But if you just sell yourself, promote your platform and perform well, people will definitely vote for you as they exercise their freedom of choice," he said.

"People should not blame the children if they want to follow the footsteps of their parents. I have what it takes to be a senator. It's not that my only asset is my family name. I have been into public service for almost 20 years. I have enough experiences and qualifications to be a senator," he said.

Before he became congressman, Estrada has served as mayor of San Juan City for nine years from 2001 to 2010. (TDE)