MABALACAT, Pampanga, Philippines ? The sister of President Macapagal-Arroyo has bee actively campaigning for former President Joseph Estrada?s bid to return to Malacañang and this makes the latter confident of winning here in Ms Arroyo?s home province.

Estrada informed reporters here on Wednesday that Cielo Macapagal-Salgado, Ms Arroyo?s half-sister, has been working as his campaign manager for Pampanga.

?That?s the reason why we are confident here (in Pampanga). We can sweep Pampanga because of Cielo Macapagal, the original daughter of President Diosdado Macapagal,? Estrada told reporters following his campaign.

Estrada and senatorial candidates went through several towns in Ms Arroyo?s home province on Wednesday.

With Estrada were candidates Senate President Juan Ponce Enrile, Senate Pro Tempore Jinggoy Estrada, former Sen. Francisco Tatad, ZTE-NBN whistle-blower Jose De Venecia III, and former Negros Occidental Rep. Jun Lozada.

?I?m going to win here,? Estrada said.

?During the height of my (acting) career with (Fernando Poe, Jr.), our movies were strongest in the theaters here,? he added.

Asked why she decided to support Estrada, Cielo Macapagal said, ?I?ve known President Joseph Estrada since I was a young girl. (Estrada?s brother) George Estregan is my classmate in high school in St. John.?

?President Erap did many things for Pampanga (even in just two and a half years as President),? Cielo Macapagal said.

Cielo Macapagal is the daughter of Purita Dela Rosa while Ms Arroyo is the daughter of Eva Macaraeg, the second wife of President Macapagal.

Cielo Macapagal also supported Estrada in Pampanga in 1998 when she ran for vice governor.

Arroyo, as a vice president in 2001, took over as President when Estrada was ousted in a military-backed civilian revolt following the collapse of his impeachment hearings over graft and corruption charges.

Estrada was convicted of plunder in September 2007 but was pardoned by Arroyo a month later.