Former President Joseph Estrada and Makati Mayor Jejomar Binay have suspended all political activities of United Opposition (UNO) and urged members to focus on relief work for typhoon victims.

An October 14 activity of UNO was postponed after Estrada and Binay decided to take the lead in extending relief assistance to calamity victims of typhoon "Pepeng" in Northern Luzon provinces.

“Thousands of Filipinos have been affected by the massive flooding and landslides caused by typhoon Pepeng. Thousands more who were severely affected by storm Ondoy are still in need of help. With the national government failing to provide immediate help, it is incumbent on private individuals and groups to extend all the assistance that we can give,” Binay said in a statement.

For his part, UNO spokesman and former Ambassador Ernesto Maceda said UNO instructed all its officers, members, supporters and political allies both at the national and local levels to focus on providing immediate relief and necessary assistance to typhoon victims.

“President Estrada and Mayor Binay will take the lead in this effort by transforming the 'Lakbay Pasasalamat' into a 'Kalingain ang Bayan' caravan,” Maceda said.

He added that as of now, “Kalingain ang Bayan” caravan spearheaded by President Erap has already reached at least 30 areas in Laguna, Rizal and Metro Manila with 40,000 relief good and P1 million cash distributed. (Kris Bayos)