ERAP ALSO WANTS DEBATE WITH NOYNOY, VILLAR

ERAP ALSO WANTS DEBATE WITH NOYNOY, VILLAR

GAPAN, NUEVA ECIJA, FEBRUARY 19, 2010 (STAR) Former President Joseph Estrada yesterday said he is ready to debate with fellow presidential candidates Liberal Party’s Sen. Noynoy Aquino and Nacionalista’s Sen. Manuel Villar Jr. if he is challenged.

In a press conference here, Estrada said he is ready to spell out his program of government in any debate.

“I don’t challenge them. But once they challenge me, I never refuse a challenge,” Estrada, of the Puwersa ng Masang Pilipino, said.

Estrada, along with his running mate Makati Mayor Jejomar Binay, his senatorial candidates Senate President Pro Tempore Jinggoy Estrada, Rep. Rodolfo Plaza, Rep. Apolinario Lozada Jr. and former senator Kit Tatad, held a motorcade through Cabiao, Gapan City, Muñoz City, Talavera and Sta. Rosa in Nueva Ecija where they were warmly received by supporters.

Last Monday, Aquino challenged Villar to a one-on-one debate after the LP candidate and six other presidential aspirants appeared before foreign news correspondents.

Villar did not attend the forum as he was on his way to Manila from Hong Kong. He accepted Aquino’s challenge and asked him to name the time and place where they will debate. – Jose Rodel Clapano

First Gentleman hurt in road mishap By Paolo Romero (The Philippine Star) Updated February 19, 2010 12:00 AM

MANILA, Philippines - First Gentleman Jose Miguel Arroyo figured in a vehicular accident in Mandaluyong City last Wednesday morning and suffered a slight head injury, officials said yesterday.

Arroyo’s lawyer Ruy Rondain said his client was on his way to the Wack Wack Golf and Country Club at around 8 a.m. when the right fender of his sports utility vehicle rammed into an electric post after a passing vehicle cut across the SUV’s path along Shaw Boulevard.

Rondain said Arroyo sustained a bump in the head.

“He’s (Mr. Arroyo) okay. In fact, he went about his official business after filing the necessary report with the police,” Rondain told The STAR in a telephone interview.

Presidential Security Group chief Col. Jonas Sumagaysay said the report sent to him indicated that the driver opted to hit the post to avoid hitting other vehicles.

Rondain said President Arroyo learned of the incident only after the First Gentleman went home to the Palace for dinner that evening.

“He (Mr. Arroyo) said it was just a bukol (bump in the head) but because of spousal concern, the President herself brought him to St. Luke’s (Medical Center in Quezon City) that evening for a CT scan, which came out clear. So they went back to the Palace that same night,” Rondain said.

Mr. Arroyo underwent heart surgery in 2006 and has been undergoing weekly therapy since then.

Chief News Editor: Sol Jose Vanzi

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