Estradas helped ‘Sendong’ victims

This refers to the letter titled “Where are the ‘presidentiables’?” (Inquirer, 1/3/12)

The letter’s author, G. Reyes, unfortunately assumed that former President Joseph Estrada and his son Senate President Pro Tempore Jinggoy Ejercito Estrada failed to extend assistance to the Tropical Storm “Sendong” victims in Mindanao.

We wish to bring to your kind attention that the senator personally went to Cagayan de Oro City last Dec. 22, 2011, where he brought and distributed relief goods to almost 4,000 affected residents. Senator Estrada, accompanied by his sister Jackie, Representatives JV Ejercito and Rufus Rodriguez, also visited some evacuation centers like the Barangay Makasindig covered court, Carmel School and the City Central School.

It was President Estrada himself who insisted that his children personally go to the calamity-stricken areas to see for themselves the damage caused by Sendong and to meet with local government officials regarding the vital support they may be needing for the city’s and the province’s  immediate recovery and rehabilitation.

Had Reyes called to inquire from our office, he would have learned about this activity by the Estradas. We hope this letter will enlighten Reyes and other Inquirer readers.

—SIMEON E. GARCIA JR.,

chief of staff,

Office of Sen. Jinggoy

Ejercito Estrada