There is no politics in relief operations done by the group of former President Joseph Estrada, Partido ng Masang Pilipino Negros Occidental chairman and former Valladolid Mayor, Ricardo “Cadoy” Presbitero said yesterday.

Presbitero was reacting to claims that the tour of former president Estrada and Mayor Jejomar Binay around the typhoon ravaged areas in the Visayas has political inclinations, or is preparatory to the 2010 presidential elections.

He added that there is nothing political in expressing personal sentiment and sympathy for the poor, and it is both moral and a Christian duty to love thy neighbor and to serve those who have less in life.

“There is no truth to the insinuations that extending help is being political because the advent of calamities are acts of God and unpredictable, and you cannot plan campaigns based on calamities,” Presbitero added, stressing that Estrada’s visit in northern Negros today is not a part, or in preparation for 2010, but purely relief operations.

The real truth is the fulfillment of President Estrada’s commitment and promise to serve the poor, being the populist president that he is known, Presbitero said.

“There is a big difference when a true leader imparts his love and concern personally,” he said.

Estrada, former Sen. Ernie Maceda and Binay’s relief operations in north Negros will cover 3,000 families.

Presbitero said that Estrada expressed his gratitude for the hospitality extended by Mayor Freddie Marañon – Sagay City, Mayor Salvador Escalante – Cadiz, and Mayor Manuel Escalante – Manapla, for the identification of the victims of typhoon “Frank”.

President Estrada always remembers the poor in his daily prayers, Presbitero said.*CPG

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