Erap, ‘Gibo’ in near face-off in La Union

SAN FERNANDO CITY – Local officials from the province of La Union prevented the /Monday former president Joseph “Erap” Estrada of the Puwersa ng Masang Pilipino from proceeding to a university campus here where Lakas-Kampi-CMD standard bearer Gilberto “Gibo” Teodoro Jr. was guest speaker to prevent possible tension from political supporters of the two camps.

Rep. Victor Ortega of La Union said in an interview the 72-year-old Estrada requested school officials of the Don Mariano Marcos State University that he be allowed to proceed to the campus premises to campaign before some 6,1000 students who earlier met with Teodoro at their gymnasium.

The administration bet arrived at the DMMSU past 4 p.m. Feb. 27 and held a one and a half hour discussion on his platform of governance with the students who waited for several hours just to have a close encounter with the 45-year-old Bar topnotcher and Harvard-trained lawyer.

“We (Lakas leaders) have arranged for this meeting. They (Erap’s camp) can come here any day, any other day. But not today kasi baka magkagulo (because trouble might erupt),” Ortega told newsmen. “I know that they (Erap and Gibo) are both civil; they are friends. But what about yung kanilang mga supporters. They might engage in heckling and teasing,” the congressman said.

In the past two days, Teodoro – who speaks fluent Ilocano – has been scouring both Ilocos Norte and Ilocos Sur to meet with leaders of the Lakas -Kampi-CMD leaders in soliciting their support for the forthcoming May 10 elections