Jinggoy Estrada praises leaders in senatorial race, but leaves out brother in concession statement

Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, May 17) — Jinggoy Estrada has conceded the senatorial race.

In a statement released on social media Thursday night, Estrada thanked all those who backed his run for the Senate, saying he owed them a debt of gratitude for never leaving his side.

He went on to name those who made it to the top of the tallies: neophytes Bong Go, Ronald "Bato" dela Rosa, Francis Tolentino, and Imee Marcos asking them to fulfill the promises they gave while campaigning.

"Malaki ang aking paniniwala na magiging maayos at productive ang Senado dahil subok na ang inyong kasipagan at determinasyon na manilbihan sa taong bayan," he said.

[Translation: I have great faith that the Senate will run smoothly and will be productive because your work ethic and determination to serve the public are proven.]

He also praised reelectionists Sonny Angara, Koko Pimentel, Grace Poe, Cynthia Villar, Pia Cayetano, and Lito Lapid.

"I truly hope that all of you maintain the independence of the Senate, an institution where our people look up to," said Estrada.

He gave a special mention to Bong Revilla, calling him his BFF (best friend forever) and "kakosa" — the term used for a fellow inmate.

"Ipagdadasal ko ang iyong tagumpay sa Senado at ipagpatuloy mo ang laban para sa katotohanan. I love you my friend!," he said.

[Translation: I will pray for your success in the Senate and continue the fight for truth. I love you my friend!]

Sibling rivalry

Left out of Estrada's statement was his brother, JV Ejercito, who is also a reelectionist candidate. Instead, he gave a small dig as he praised Nancy Binay.

"Kay Sen. Nancy, alam ko marami ka pang magagawa sa Senado na makakatulong sa ating mga kababayang mahihirap [To Sen. Nancy, I know you will do a lot in the Senate that will help the disadvantaged]. Keep it up! You deserve to keep the 12th spot because you have a very big heart for the poor and you are the BETTER person among others. Congratulations my friend," he wrote.

In the partial, unofficial tally released by the Commission on Elections (COMELEC), Binay and Ejercito are battling for the 12th Senate seat.

Ejercito, meanwhile, did not directly address Estrada's statement, but reacted with "Bitter" and "And I am really the Good One..." on social media, linking a news report about his brother's statement.

At a political rally in San Juan City in February, Estrada campaigned for both himself and his brother, saying, "Ang pakiusap ko lang sa inyo, sa susunod na eleksyon, gawin niyo na ring number one si JV, kahit number 2 na lang ako."

[Translation:My only request is that in the following elections, you make JV number one, and I can settle for number two.]

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