Erap, Jinggoy scold JV for signing pork scam report

MANILA - Senator JV Ejercito got a tongue-lashing from his father, former President and now Manila Mayor Joseph Estrada, and half-brother, Senator Jinggoy Estrada, for signing the Blue Ribbon Committee report on the pork barrel scam.

"Last week, hindi na naman kami nagkaunawaan at nagalit na naman ang aking kapatid… Sabi nya, nagpapapogi lang ako at his expense (Jinggoy got mad again. He said I’m trying to make myself look good at his expense)," he told radio dzMM.

Ejercito was among the ten senators who signed the committee report that recommended the filing of charges against his half-brother and senators Juan Ponce Enrile and Bong Revilla.

Ejercito said Jinggoy did not understand his purpose for signing the report. He said he did it with "reservations" and attached a letter to the report.

"I signed with reservation because I was not convinced it was a complete report. It should tackle the entire pork barrel scam, including other bogus non-government organizations and not just those connected to Janet Napoles," he said.

By signing, on the other hand, Ejercito said he just wants to see the end of the pork barrel scam and all accused be able to explain themselves before the court.

"I did not endorse the entire report, perhaps just partially. As a lawmaker, I also want to put an end to the pork scam," he said.

He said he also tried to explain all these to his father, who called him up and reprimanded him.

Asked if the older Estrada understood him, he only said: "I hope."

He said he explained to his father that he gave the other senators accused – Enrile and Revilla – the heads up before signing the report.

He explained both understood him. "Besides, what I told in my attached letter was the same as their statements – that all bogus NGOs should be probed."

Ejercito explained, however, that he did not give both his father and half-brother the heads up.

"I'll have to be honest. [Jinggoy and I] are not close. He's always furious with me," he said.