Ex-Pres. Erap still can't believe he lost to Isko Moreno

Outgoing Manila mayor and ex-President Joseph "Erap" Estrada is still in disbelief that former ally Isko Moreno defeated him in the mayoral race in Manila in the last elections, according to a report by Susan Enriquez on GMA News' Unang Balita on Tuesday.

Moreno paid a courtesy call on Erap on Monday as part of the transition.

“Okay lang , the voice of the people is the voice of God. I hope it is really the voice of the people,” said Estrada who claimed that he topped all the election surveys.

Outgoing Manila Mayor Joseph Estrada shakes hands with Mayor-elect Isko Moreno at the Manila City Hall on Monday, June 17, 2019. Estrada and Moreno met for a transition meeting. Danny Pata

Estrada has been in politics for 50 years.

“My surprise was complemented when I heard the President saying of changing this Smartmatic…You have no chance to check if they are cheating…You cannot protest, you don’t have any record with you,” Estrada added.

Meanwhile, Moreno said he will improve the garbage collection system in the city once he starts his term in Manila.

“We will bring back the efficiency of collection. We guarantee days and hours or time to collect the garbage. Papasok na uli sa maliliit na kalye,” he said.

The incoming mayor also vowed to investigate the disposed food found at Manila Boystown, a facility for children and the elderly. He said local government officials who would be found involved in the disposal of the food items will be held liable.

“Kapag napatunayan namin na may mga indibidwal na bahagi ng lokal na pamahalaan, you cannot escape the long arm of the law. Talagang kakastiguhin namin kayo,” he said.

Estrada said he is open to an investigation.

“He is free to investigate it, why not? Hindi ko rin alam e,” Estrada said. —Joviland Rita/KG, GMA News