Binay is staying with UNA – Erap

Former President and Manila Mayor Joseph Ejercito Estrada delivers his opening remarks during the coronation night of the Miss Manila 2014 on Tuesday night (June 24, 2014) at the Philippine International Convention Center in Pasay City. (PNA photo by Avito C. Dalan)

MANILA – Despite recent reports that Vice President Jejomar Binay is being invited to run under the Liberal Party, former President and now Manila Mayor Joseph Estrada believes that Binay will stay with the United Nationalist Alliance (UNA).

“We were together in the 2010 elections where he won as vice president. I think he will stay with us,” Estrada said.

The former president told reporters that Binay does not need the endorsement of President Aquino to win the presidential elections in 2016.

He cited the high acceptance rating received by the Vice President in various surveys and added that the rumors that LP is inviting Binay only shows that the administration is insecure and has no strong candidate in the coming elections.

“I believe so because he has the highest acceptance rating,” Estrada said.

Estrada also earlier added that should UNA fail to get a standard bearer, he will be forced to run for president again.

Suppose, Binay decides to jump to LP, Estrada said he will still have to choose who will be running under their partylist.

“We have to choose and there is a proper process for that,” Estrada said.

“We must decide a year before the election. The election is still very far. It is still two years before the election,” Estrada added.

UNA was established with the coalition of the Pwersa ng Masang Pilipino (PMP) formed by Estrada and Binay’s Partido Demokratikong Pilipino-Lakas ng Bayan (PDP-Laban).