Dolphy cites Villar's pro-poor agenda and their both being natives of Tondo as his reasons for endorsing the former Senate President.

Presidential candidate Joseph “Erap” Estrada is not bothered with long-time friend and showbiz colleague, Rodolfo “Dolphy” Quizon, endorsing one of his rivals for the presidency in the coming elections, Sen. Manny Villar.

“It’s okay,” he quipped when asked by reporters about it during a provincial sortie.

In the 2004 presidential election, Dolphy and Erap were among many showbiz denizens who campaigned for the late Fernando Poe Jr.

Estrada refused to comment on the matter further, but he alluded to the plug as mere “work” on Dolphy’s part. 

"The man was just making a living. I respect his decision," Estrada said.

Estrada went on to say that he and the country’s king of comedy are “real” and “long-time friends.”

Villar is a known admirer of the King of Comedy and had been pushing for a bill now pending in the Senate to have him named National Artist.

Many feel that Dolphy's television plug endorsing Villar, which is now being aired frequently in all television networks in the country, is just meant to return the favor.

In the ad, Dolphy cites Villar's pro-poor agenda and their both being natives of Tondo as two of his many reasons for endorsing the former Senate President.

On the other hand, Estrada is also campaigning under the slogan, "Erap para sa mahirap." He also identified himself as "laking Tondo."

Various surveys show Estrada running third behind Senator Benigno "Noynoy" Aquino III, the standard bearer of the Liberal Party, and Villar.

Regarding the survey, the actor and former President crowed “it will change,” specifically since the recent decision of the Commission on Elections has allowed him to run.

He said that with the decision, his ratings will soon soar.

"The camps of my opponents are spreading lies and black propaganda that I will withdraw from the race, which somehow is affecting the campaign. So I say it again, I will not and will never withdraw, especially if the interests of the Filipino people are at stake," he said.