The leader of the People’s Movement Against Poverty (PMAP), who was accused of leading the foiled Malacañang siege on May 1, 2001 to protest the arrest of then-President Joseph “Erap” Estrada in connection with the plunder case filed against him, has joined the camp of Liberal Party (LP) presidential candidate Sen. Benigno “Noynoy” Aquino III.

Ronald Lumbao, 44, was among the 1,000 guests who arrived at the Cojuangco family residence on Palm Street in Dasmarinas Village, Makati City last Sunday evening to declare their support for Noynoy.

Lumbao, who was jailed after he was charged of rebellion for leading the failed siege at Malacañang Palace on May 1, 2001 but was later cleared by court authorities, was accompanied by PMAP secretary general Arnold Obina in the big gathering of Noynoy supporters which was organized by the Council of Philippine Affairs (COPA) led by former Tarlac congressman Jose “Peping” Cojuangco, uncle of Noynoy.

Noynoy arrived at the gathering at 6pm and stayed up to 11pm, expressing his gratitude to his supporters.

Shortly after being sworn in as the country’s 13th President, Estrada appointed Lumbao as head of the Cooperative Development Authority after throwing his support to his presidential bid in the May 1998 elections.

“Lumbao is now supporting Noynoy,” COPA secretary general Pastor “Boy” Saycon said in an interview.

According to Cojuangco, the meeting was organized to “shelter and acknowledge the personalities who are exclusively supporting Noynoy.” “Those are the people who are supporting Noynoy only,” Cojuangco said.

Except for Aloy Lim, wife of Liberal Party senatorial candidate detained Army Brig. Gen. Danilo Lim, none of the other LP candidates seeking national post – including the party’s vice presidential bet Sen. Mar Roxas – were not invited to the meeting.

Prominent personalities who showed up included Peping’s youngest brother Paul Aquino, former senator Freddie Webb, former senator Nikki Coseteng, former Bataan governor Ding Roman, former Zambales governor Amor Deloso, former North Cotabato congressman Rodrigo Gutang and former Pasay City congresswoman Lorna Verano-Yap.

Retired police officials that included Director Lucas Managuelod and Director Rock Tor were also present.