Erap to provide housing for informal settlers, if…

MANILA, Philippines - Former President Joseph Estrada yesterday vowed to provide in-city housing for thousands of informal settler families in Manila if he wins the mayoralty race.

Estrada said Manileños are not “askals” (stray dogs) to be thrown around where it is convenient to have them.

Thousands of residents attended a caucus of Estrada and his running mate Vice Mayor Isko Moreno at the Parola Compound in Port Area.

“My detractors are spreading rumors that if I win, we will demolish your houses. How can I be Erap for the masses if I will make things that would add to your miseries? We will built housing and implement livelihood opportunities for everybody,” he said.

Estrada said the present administration relocated to Rodriguez, Rizal dozens of Tondo families who lost their homes to a fire in May last year. – Jose Rodel Clapano, Rey Galupo