FORMER President Joseph Estrada fired his opening salvo against Manila Mayor Alfredo Lim by calling the latter “utak pulis,” in reference to the official’s police-like approach in running the affairs of the capital city.
The term “utak pulis” (police mentality)” is a derisive term used to describe the propensity to use brute force in solving crises. It borders on impunity most of the time.
Estrada was said to be eyeing Lim’s post in next year’s elections. In fact, the Tondo-born former chief executive already bought a house in Manila and was planning to live there on or before May 12.
The Commission on Elections previously said Estrada should abide by the residency requirement of one year before he could run in the local polls.
A plus for Estrada was the fact that Manila Vice Mayor Isko Moreno, who was Lim’s running mate in the 2010 elections, also joined the PMP along with Zubiri.
The former San Juan mayor said that Lim’s style in running the city does not solve the local government’s problems. He said that there should be “urban renewal” in the city.
Estrada also said he would announce on May 12 if he or Moreno would be the one running against Lim in the polls.
“Siyam na tulog na lang po, malalaman niyo na kung tutuloy ako o si Isko ang inyong magiging mayor (Nine more sleep and you will know if I or Vice Mayor Moreno([will be your mayor),” he said.
Meanwhile, Zubiri was sworn in by PMP chairman and Senate President Juan Ponce Enrile, along with Moreno and former Solicitor-General Frank Chavez who will now serve as the party’s director for legal affairs.
In his speech, Enrile considered Zubiri as a “moral booster” who will further strengthen the party. He said Zubiri’s resignation last year shocked the nation and showed that he will not allow anyone, even himself, to be used in dirty politics.
“Itong pulong na ito ay simbolo na lumalapit na ang halalan… Bawat pumapasok na pulitiko sa isang partido ay nagpapalakas sa kanyang partidong sinasalihan (This meeting is a symbol that the elections are near. Every candidate who comes strengthens the party that he just joined in),” Enrile said.
For his part, Senate President Pro-Tempore Jinggoy Estrada, PMP president, described Zubiri as a “potential foundation” for the party.
“Lumalakas na ang ating partido pulitikal. Ito na ang hinihintay nating simula ng pinapangarap nating pag-unlad ng ating bayan (Our political party is gaining strength. This is the start of our long dreamt development for our country),”the younger Estrada said.
Last month, the PMP forged an alliance with Vice President Jejomar Binay’s Partido Demokratiko Pilipino-Lakas ng Bayan (PDP-Laban) to form the new coalition, United Nationalist Alliance (UNA).
SOURCE : manilatimes.net
