Senator Christopher “Bong” Go on Tuesday, February 4, co-sponsored a Senate resolution honoring former President Joseph Ejercito Estrada and former Senator Luisa “Loi” Ejercito for their significant contributions to public service and national development.

Senator Go paid tribute to Estrada’s long-standing advocacy for the poor, recalling his immense popularity and deep connection with the masses.

“Known as ‘Erap para sa Mahirap,’ naalala ko pa po noong 1998, nung nagkampanya sa Davao, dinudumog po ito si President Erap at talagang makamasa. At dun ko napatunayan na malapit po siya sa masa,” he said.

Go highlighted Estrada’s legacy of uplifting the poor through social welfare programs, emphasizing the former leader’s passion for serving the underprivileged.

“Tulad ko po na ang bisyo ay magserbisyo, si dating Pangulong Joseph Ejercito Estrada ay isang tunay na makamasa—isang lider na nag-alay ng kanyang buhay sa paglilingkod sa mahihirap at inaapi,” Go stated.

The senator also recalled a personal encounter with Estrada in 2019, expressing his gratitude for being welcomed at Manila City Hall.

“Maraming salamat din po, Mayor President noong 2019, sa inyong pagtanggap sa akin sa inyong opisina sa City Hall ng Maynila,” he said.

Beyond politics, Estrada was also a key figure in Philippine cinema. Go underscored the former president’s role in establishing the Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF), an institution that continues to support the local film industry.

“Higit pa rito, siya rin ang founder ng Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF), isang institusyong patuloy na nagpapalakas sa industriya ng pelikulang Pilipino. Bilang kasapi ng MMFF Executive Committee, ipinagmamalaki kong ipagpatuloy ang adhikain ni Pangulong Estrada sa pagsusulong ng de-kalidad at makabuluhang pelikulang Pilipino,” Go added.

As a six-year member of the MMFF Executive Committee, Go also acknowledged the contributions of Estrada’s sons, Senator Jinggoy Estrada and Senator JV Ejercito.

“Malapit din po ako sa mga artista, tulad ng aking idol, Senator Robin Padilla, sila Ipe. Dati po, napapanood ko lang sila sa pelikula at di ko akalain ngayon na dalawang senador na ang kanyang anak—sina Senator Jinggoy Estrada at Senator JV Ejercito—na makakasama ko rito. Kasi kung walang Erap, walang Jinggoy at JV. ‘Yon ang totoo,” he said.

Go further praised Estrada’s enduring influence on governance, noting that his legacy continues through his sons.

“Former President Estrada was a great leader and a devoted father to many, especially to his sons who followed his footsteps in public service. His profound impact on politics and governance continues through Senator Jinggoy Estrada and Senator JV Ejercito, both of whom are dedicated to advancing the welfare of the Filipino people,” he stated.

In addition to honoring Estrada, Senator Go also co-sponsored the resolution commending former Senator Loi Ejercito for her invaluable contributions to the country.

“And of course, I also wish to co-sponsor the resolution honoring and commending former Senator Luisa ‘Loi’ P. Ejercito for her service and invaluable contributions to the country and the Filipino people,” he said.

Senator Go concluded by reiterating his respect and admiration for both Estrada and Ejercito, emphasizing their lasting impact on the nation.

“Mabuhay po kayo, Mr. President Joseph Estrada. Mabuhay po kayo, Senator Loi Estrada,” he said.