Estrada backs mayor in fight vs Arroyo son Philippine Daily Inquirer
July 04, 2009
SAN FERNANDO, Camarines Sur, Philippines — Getting the nod and support from former President Joseph Estrada, Mayor Fermin Mabulo of this town said on Thursday he was ready to face presidential son Rep. Diosdado “Dato” Arroyo in next year’s congressional race in the first district of the province.
Mabulo said Estrada had given him assurance of logistical support to put up a good fight against Dato in the 10-town district.
It will be the second attempt of Mabulo’s family to clash with the Arroyos in an electoral contest. Arroyo won over Sabas Mabulo, elder brother of the mayor and a three-term mayor of San Fernando, in 2007 in what was tagged as a David-versus-Goliath fight.
“At present, there are already four Arroyos in Congress. Are we going to allow this? If not, the only way is to beat them in the electoral race,” Mayor Mabulo said.
