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Joseph Estrada
Josephestradapentagon.jpg
Estrada in 2000
13th President of the Philippines
In office
June 30, 1998 – January 20, 2001
Vice President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo
Preceded by Fidel V. Ramos
Succeeded by Gloria Macapagal Arroyo
9th Vice President of the Philippines
In office
June 30, 1992 – June 30, 1998
President Fidel V. Ramos
Preceded by Salvador Laurel
Succeeded by Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo
26th Mayor of Manila
In office
June 30, 2013 – June 30, 2019
Vice Mayor
  • Isko Moreno (2013–2016)
  • Honey Lacuna (2016–2019)
Preceded by Alfredo Lim
Succeeded by Isko Moreno
18th Secretary of the Interior and Local Government
In office
June 30, 1998 – April 12, 1999
President Himself
Preceded by Sonny Collantes (OIC)
Succeeded by Ronaldo Puno
Chairman of the Presidential Anti-Crime Commission
In office
1992–1997
President Fidel V. Ramos
Senator of the Philippines
In office
June 30, 1987 – June 30, 1992
14th Mayor of San Juan
In office
August 5, 1969 – March 26, 1986
Preceded by Braulio Santo Domingo
Succeeded by Reynaldo San Pascual
Personal details
Born
Jose Marcelo Ejercito

(1937-04-19) April 19, 1937 (age 88)
Tondo, Manila, Philippines
Political party PMP (since 1991)
Other political
affiliations
  • Nacionalista (1969–1987)
  • Liberal (1987–1991)
  • NPC (1991–1997)
  • LAMMP (1997–2001)
  • UNO (2005–2010)
  • UNA (2012–2015)
Spouse
(m. 1959)
Children 11 (incl. Jose Jr., Joseph Victor, Jude and Juan Emilio)
Parent Emilio Ejercito Sr. (Father) Maria Marcelo (Mother)
Relatives Ejercito family
Residence Santa Mesa, Manila
Alma mater
  • Mapúa Institute of Technology
  • Central Colleges of the Philippines
Occupation
  • Politician
  • actor
Profession Businessman
Signature

Joseph Ejercito Estrada (born Jose Marcelo Ejercito; April 19, 1937), also known as Erap, is a Filipino politician and former actor. He served as the 13th president of the Philippines from 1998 to 2001. Before becoming president, Estrada was the ninth vice president of the Philippines from 1992 to 1998. He also served as the 22nd mayor of Manila from 2013 to 2019, and the 14th mayor of San Juan from 1969 to 1986.

Estrada became very popular as a film actor, starring in over a hundred movies during his three-decade career. He also worked as a model when he was 13. His fame as an actor helped him in politics. He was mayor of San Juan, then a senator, and later vice president under President Fidel V. Ramos.

In 1998, Estrada was elected president with many votes. He took office on June 30, 1998. ..... Later, he faced accusations of misusing public funds, which led to an impeachment trial. In 2001, he left the presidency during the Second EDSA Revolution. After his arrest, his supporters held rallies, which led to events known as EDSA III.

In 2007, Estrada was found responsible for misusing government funds but was later pardoned by President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo. He ran for president again in 2010 but lost. He then served as the mayor of Manila for two terms, from 2013 to 2019.

Early Life and Education

Jose Marcelo Ejercito was born on April 19, 1937, in Tondo, Manila, a busy part of Manila. His family later moved to San Juan, Metro Manila, which was a municipality in Rizal province at the time. He came from a well-off family and was the eighth of ten children. His parents were Emilio Ejercito Sr. and Maria Marcelo.

After finishing elementary school in 1951, he was expelled from high school for disciplinary reasons. He later tried studying Civil Engineering at Mapúa University and Central Colleges of the Philippines but did not finish his studies.

In his twenties, he started acting, often playing the role of a villain. He chose the stage name "Joseph Estrada" because his mother didn't approve of his acting career. He also got the nickname "Erap" from his friend, actor Fernando Poe Jr.. "Erap" is a playful way of saying "pare," which means 'buddy' in Tagalog.

Film Career and Public Service

When he was in his twenties, Joseph Ejercito started acting in movies. He chose the stage name "Joseph Estrada" because his mother did not approve of his acting career. His friend, actor Fernando Poe Jr., gave him the nickname "Erap," which means "buddy" in Tagalog slang.

Estrada became a very popular actor, starring in more than a hundred films over about 30 years.

In 1974, Estrada started the Movie Workers Welfare Foundation (Mowelfund). This foundation helps people who work in the film industry with medical care, housing, and other support. Its school, the Mowelfund Film Institute, has trained many talented filmmakers since 1979. He also helped start the first Metro Manila Film Festival in 1975.

Entry into Politics

Mayor of San Juan (1969–1986)

Estrada first tried to become mayor of San Juan in 1967 but won in 1969 after a special election protest. As mayor, he made many improvements to the town. He built the first Municipal High School, a modern market, and a government center. He also paved most of the town's roads.

He focused on improving elementary education by fixing school buildings and adding new ones. He also built health centers and playgrounds. He helped about 1,800 families move from San Juan to Taytay, Rizal, without any cost to them. He was also the first mayor to use computers for property tax assessments. In 1986, when Corazon Aquino became president, all local elected officials, including Estrada, were replaced.

Senator of the Philippines (1987–1992)

The Honorable Joseph E. Estrada (Senator of the Philippines)
Estrada as a senator, photograph released by the Philippine Congress, c. 1988

In 1987, Estrada was elected as a Senator. He was in charge of the Committee on Public Works. He also helped with committees on health, natural resources, and urban planning.

As a senator, Estrada supported projects for irrigation and protecting the carabao, which is an important animal for farmers.

In 1991, Estrada and eleven other senators voted to end the agreement that allowed American military bases in the Philippines. This led to the American soldiers leaving Clark Air Base and Subic Naval Base.

In 1989, a magazine called him one of the "Three Outstanding Senators of the Year." He also received honorary degrees from two universities.

Vice Presidency (1992–1998)

In 1992, Estrada first planned to run for president. However, he later decided to run for vice president instead, as the running mate of Eduardo Cojuangco Jr.. Even though Cojuangco lost the presidential race, Estrada won the vice-presidency with many votes.

As vice president, Estrada led President Ramos' Presidential Anti-Crime Commission (PACC). He helped arrest criminal groups. He was often ranked as one of the best-performing government officials in surveys. In 1997, he stepped down from leading the PACC.

In the same year, Estrada joined former president Corazon Aquino and other leaders in a large rally against changes to the constitution. About half a million people gathered in Rizal Park to protest.

Presidency (1998–2001)

On June 30, 1998, Joseph Estrada became the 13th President of the Philippines. He took his oath in Malolos, Bulacan, a historic town. He promised to bring peace and fight corruption. His campaign slogan was "Erap Para sa Mahirap," which means "Erap for the Poor." He used a special name as his official address, combining his family name Ejercito with his screen name, becoming "Joseph Ejercito Estrada."

He took office during the Asian Financial Crisis, which affected the country's economy. However, the economy started to recover during his term. In 2000, he declared an "all-out-war" against the Moro Islamic Liberation Front and captured their main camps.

In January 2001, there was a lot of political unrest in the country. The head of the Armed Forces, Angelo Reyes, decided to withdraw his support for Estrada and support Vice President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo instead.

End of Presidency

The next day, the Supreme Court declared the presidency vacant, stating that Estrada had left the office. Soon after, Gloria Macapagal Arroyo was sworn in as the new president. The Supreme Court later confirmed that Estrada's departure was constitutional.

After the Presidency (2001–Present)

Arrest and Public Rallies

After leaving the presidency, Estrada went back to his home in San Juan.

On April 25, 2001, he and his son Jinggoy were arrested. His supporters marched to the EDSA Shrine to protest. They demanded Estrada's release and that he be put back as president. Many people, including his wife Loi Ejercito and political allies, joined the protests.

In the early morning of May 1, Estrada's supporters marched to Malacañang Palace. Violence broke out, and President Arroyo declared a state of rebellion. Many protesters and journalists were hurt. The government used tear gas and warning shots to control the riots. These events became known as EDSA III.

Estrada was held in different places, including a hospital and a military facility, before being placed under house arrest.

Pardon and Release

On October 22, 2007, Estrada asked President Arroyo for a "full, free, and unconditional pardon." He mentioned his mother's health as a reason for his request.

On October 25, 2007, President Arroyo granted Estrada executive clemency. This meant he was pardoned and his civil and political rights were given back. Estrada had promised not to seek public office again. On October 26, 2007, after almost seven years, Estrada was released.

Activities After Release

After his release, Estrada gave a message to the Filipino people. He said he wanted to help people, especially the poor. He admitted making mistakes as a public servant. He then went on a "Lakbay Pasasalamat" (Thank you tour) across the country. During this tour, he thanked his supporters and gave out relief goods like food and medicine.

2010 Presidential Election

In 2009, Estrada announced that he would run for president again in the 2010 Philippine presidential election. His running mate was Makati Mayor Jejomar Binay. However, he lost the election to Senator Benigno Aquino III.

Mayor of Manila (2013–2019)

10th City Council of Manila
Estrada (center, back row) with members of the 10th City Council of Manila on July 13, 2016

In May 2012, Estrada decided to run for Mayor of Manila in the 2013 elections. He won the election and became mayor on June 30, 2013. When he started his term, the city government had a lot of debt. During his first term, he worked to improve the city's finances and declared Manila debt-free by 2015. He also started programs to revive areas like Escolta Street.

He initially planned to serve only one term but decided to run for reelection in 2016. He won a close race against former Mayor Alfredo Lim. As mayor, Estrada focused on providing basic services to the people of Manila, from free hospital care for mothers to free books and snacks for public school students.

IskoErapAfterElections
Then-mayor-elect Isko Moreno (second from left) paying a courtesy visit to then outgoing mayor Joseph Estrada (second from right) weeks after defeating the latter in the 2019 local elections

He also supported projects to reclaim land in Manila Bay. In 2018, he settled the city's unpaid tax debts from previous mayors. In the 2019 elections, Estrada ran for a third term but lost to former Manila vice mayor Isko Moreno Domagoso. He stepped down from office on June 30, 2019.

Electoral History

Erap country
Provinces in which Estrada won in 1992, 1998 and 2010 national elections.

San Juan Mayoralty Elections

  • Estrada won every mayoralty election in San Juan from 1969 to 1984.

Senatorial election, 1987:

  • Joseph Estrada (GAD) – 10,029,978 (14th place)

Vice Presidential election, 1992:

  • Joseph Estrada (PMP) – 6,739,738 (33.00%)

Presidential election, 1998:

  • Joseph Estrada (LAMMP) – 10,722,295 (39.86%)

Presidential election, 2010:

Manila Mayoralty Elections 2013

  • Joseph Estrada (PMP) – 349,770

Manila Mayoralty Elections 2016

  • Joseph Estrada (PMP) – 283,149

Manila Mayoralty Elections 2019

Personal Life and Family

Estrada is the first Philippine president who was also a popular actor. He is married to Dr. Luisa "Loi" Pimentel, a former First Lady and senator. They have three children:

  • Jinggoy Estrada, who has been a mayor and senator.
  • Jackie Ejercito
  • Jude Estrada

Estrada also has eight children from other relationships. These include:

  • Joseph Victor "JV" Ejercito, who became mayor of San Juan.
  • Jerika, Jacob, and actor Jake Ejercito with former actress Laarni Enriquez.

Many of Estrada's relatives have also become well-known in politics and entertainment.

Awards and Honors

National Honors

  • Order of the Knights of Rizal Ribbon.png: Order of the Knights of Rizal – Knight Grand Cross of Rizal.
  • 1975 Metro Manila Film Festival Best Actor for Diligin mo ng Hamog ang Uhaw na Lupa
  • 1962 FAMAS Best Actor for Markang Rehas
  • 1964 FAMAS Best Actor for Geron Busabos
  • 1965 FAMAS Best Actor for Ito ang Maynila
  • 1966 FAMAS Best Actor for Sapang Palay
  • 1969 FAMAS Best Actor for Galo Gimbal
  • 1971 Outstanding Mayor and foremost Nationalist by the Inter-Provincial Information Service
  • 1972 One of the Ten Outstanding Young Men (TOYM) in Public Administration by the Philippine Jaycees
  • 1981 FAMAS Best Actor for Hoy, Tukso Layuan mo Ako
  • 1981 FAMAS Hall of Fame
  • 2007 Most Outstanding Citizen of San Juan
  • 2014 GMMSF Box-Office Entertainment Awards Government Service Award

Foreign Honors

  •  Argentina:
    • ARG Order of the Liberator San Martin - Grand Cross BAR.png Collar of the Order of the Liberator General San Martín (September 20, 1999)

Honorary Doctorates

  • Doctor of Humanities, Honoris Causa by the University of Pangasinan (1990)
  • Doctor of Humanities, Honoris Causa by Bicol University (April 1997)

Images for kids

See also

Kids robot.svg In Spanish: Joseph Estrada para niños

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