Bongbong: Erap a strong contender in presidential race

MANILA, Philippines — Sen. Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. on Friday said Manila Mayor Joseph "Erap" Estrada will be a strong contender in the 2016 presidential race if he runs for the country's top government post.

In a statement, Marcos expressed his gratitude to Estrada for naming him as his possible running mate in the upcoming national elections.

Estrada earlier said that he plans to run for president if Sen. Grace Poe is disqualified with finality and Vice President Jejomar Binay is removed from the race due to corruption cases.

READ: Erap wants Bongbong to be his running mate

"I am deeply honored and very grateful for the trust given to me by former President, Manila Mayor Erap Estrada. Mayor Estrada's wide support is undisputed and choosing me as his running mate will definitely boost my chances," Marcos said.

Estrada has earlier endorsed the vice presidential bid of Marcos, who is the running mate of Sen. Miriam Defensor Santiago.

"He is well loved by the people especially the masses. Nakakataba ng puso na ang 'Ama ng Masa' ay may malaking pagtitiwala sa atin at hinding-hindi natin sisirain ang tiwalang iyan," the senator said.

The Manila mayor said in an interview with the STAR that he can substitute for Romel Mendoza, secretary-general of Kalipunan ng Masang Pilipino, which is allied with his Pwersa ng Masang Pilipino.

Estrada has until December 10 to make his presidential candidacy official.